During a horrific week after the death of our brother firefighter, Johnny Tetrick, your support was everything: The firefighters of Cleveland Fire Station 22

CLEVELAND -- As we begin picking up the pieces from the devastating line-of-duty death of our brother, Johnny Tetrick, we would like to say thank you.

In the days following Saturday, Nov. 19, we converged on Station 22 to prepare for Johnny’s funeral and to try to make sense of the tragedy. Every day, we were greeted by sympathy cards, mounds of pastries, sandwiches, pizza, desserts and coffee.

The individuals, businesses, churches, fire and police departments, and organizations that stepped up in our time of need are far too numerous to name individually, but we want to acknowledge several.

Mayor Justin Bibb, Safety Director Karrie Howard and Fire Chief Anthony Luke provided everything we needed, without hesitation, giving us the time and space to grieve. The Association of Cleveland Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 93, coordinated countless details behind the scenes while members of the Cleveland Fire Department pitched in generously. Our comrades from the Cleveland police and Cleveland Division of Emergency Medical Service provided endless support.

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse offered a venue for the funeral, and Mission BBQ catered a delicious buffet. All made possible by volunteers from each who selflessly donated their time and services to show their support.

Our families were always there for us, and the families of Greg Juratic and Jerry Zimmerer, two firemen close to Johnny, were constantly beside Johnny’s girls.

No less sincere were the words of sorrow expressed by people on the street, the salutes, the waves, the hugs, the appreciation.

Finally, we want to thank the Tetrick family - Johnny’s daughters Falon, Regan, and Eden and his dad, Kris - for their strength. The grace those young ladies and their grandfather displayed in the face of indescribable grief was unbelievable.

All of it made a horrific week just a little easier to navigate. We’ll continue to lean heavily on each other in the coming months, but we’ll do so knowing an outstanding community is beside us.

And for that we are truly thankful.

This guest column is from the firefighters of Cleveland Fire Station 22.

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