Paul Charles Mickolick Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in Wayne County on Friday night claimed the life of a local paramedic who was helping a stranded driver. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the incident occurred in West Salem around 10:40 p.m., when Lieutenant Paul Charles Mickolick, a firefighter-paramedic with the Town and Country Fire District, responded to assist a driver whose vehicle had become stuck.
The driver had exited a private field and accidentally lodged their pickup truck in a ditch along Stratton Road. Mickolick, 43, arrived at the scene in his personal vehicle and parked near the pickup to lend a hand. What began as a routine act of service quickly turned into a fatal event.
Shortly after Mickolick began assisting, authorities received a call reporting a crash at that same location. A vehicle driven by a 64-year-old man from West Salem was heading south on Stratton Road when he veered off the right side of the road. His car entered the ditch, where it collided with the disabled pickup truck, its driver, and Mickolick.
Emergency responders rushed both Mickolick and the pickup truck driver to a nearby hospital. The driver of the pickup truck sustained serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital in Akron for advanced medical treatment. Unfortunately, Mickolick did not survive the incident and was later pronounced dead due to the injuries he suffered in the crash.
Mickolick was a respected and experienced first responder in the Wayne County community. Before joining the Town and Country Fire District full-time in 2022, he worked as a flight paramedic with the Cleveland Clinic. His dedication to serving others was evident in both his professional roles and his selfless response on the night of the accident.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the fatal crash. Authorities have not released additional details about the 64-year-old driver involved or whether charges are being considered.
The sudden death of Lieutenant Mickolick has deeply impacted the local emergency services community and the broader region. Known for his commitment to helping others, Mickolick’s actions on Friday night were a reflection of his character and dedication to public service. He responded not in an official vehicle, but in his personal car, highlighting the kind of person he was—someone willing to act whenever and wherever help was needed.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a first responder who gave his life in the line of duty. Tributes have begun pouring in from fellow firefighters, paramedics, and residents who knew Mickolick or had seen him in action over the years. Many describe him as a true public servant, someone whose instinct to help others never wavered, whether on or off duty.
The pickup truck driver, while seriously injured, is reportedly receiving critical care. Authorities have not yet released that individual’s identity or a full update on their condition.
In the wake of this tragedy, law enforcement and emergency service officials are reminding drivers to exercise extra caution around roadside incidents, especially in low-light or rural areas like Stratton Road. They emphasized the importance of slowing down and remaining alert when approaching vehicles or people near the roadway, especially emergency responders who often work in unpredictable and dangerous conditions.
The Town and Country Fire District has not yet issued a formal statement but is expected to do so as they grieve the loss of their colleague and friend. Grief counselors and support services are being made available to Mickolick’s coworkers and to first responders who arrived at the scene Friday night.
This incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks that emergency personnel face every day. Even when not on duty, many first responders feel a strong obligation to assist those in need, and it’s in those moments of selfless service that they sometimes face the greatest danger.
Lieutenant Paul Charles Mickolick is being remembered as a dedicated firefighter-paramedic, a skilled medical professional, and a compassionate human being who lost his life while doing what he was called to do—help others. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.
As Wayne County and the broader emergency response community reflect on this loss, there is a renewed appreciation for the men and women who put themselves at risk every day to keep others safe. The investigation into the crash continues, and further updates are expected from the OSHP in the coming days.
