A section of Interstate 90 in Cleveland has been renamed to commemorate the life and service of firefighter Johnny Tetrick, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in November 2022.
The newly designated “Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick Memorial Highway” spans from East 72nd Street to East 105th Street. Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 107 into law to establish the renaming, recognizing Tetrick’s dedication and sacrifice.
“This is an opportunity for us to say thank you,” Governor DeWine remarked during the announcement.
Honoring a Legacy
Johnny Tetrick, a firefighter with 27 years of service, spent the majority of his career at Station 22 in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. He was responding to a crash on I-90 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle, a loss that reverberated through the community and among his colleagues.
Tetrick’s daughter, Regan, spoke of her father’s profound impact: “My dad was, is, and always will continue to be the greatest thing in my life.”
A Lasting Tribute
State Representative Tom Patton, who sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of preserving Tetrick’s memory. “Having this sign on the roads for decades and decades to come—people who haven’t even been born yet will ask, ‘Who is Johnny Tetrick?’ His name will be mentioned for a long time, as it should be.”
The memorial highway joins other tributes to Tetrick, ensuring his contributions and heroism are not forgotten.
Justice and Reflection
The driver responsible for the crash that claimed Tetrick’s life has been convicted and is currently serving a life sentence.
As the sign stands along I-90, it serves not only as a tribute to a dedicated firefighter but also as a reminder of the risks first responders face daily to protect and serve their communities. Johnny Tetrick’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.