WASHINGTON — The father of the Columbia Township firefighter who died while trying to rescue victims in a car crash will join Congressman Anthony Gonzalez for Tuesday's State of the Union address.
Gary Wilson, himself a police officer from Olmsted Township, will represent his son Brett as the guest of Gonzalez for President Trump's speech.
Brett Wilson, a U.S. Army veteran in addition to being a firefighter, was killed off duty in October. A car struck a utility pole on Sprague Road, west of State Route 252, bringing power lines down in the roadway.
Wilson heard the crash and tried to help the victims. He died as a result of injuries suffered by coming in contact with the downed lines.
RELATED: Columbia Township firefighter dies from electric shock after trying to help victims of crash
Rep. Gonzalez delivered a speech honoring Brett Wilson on the floor of the House of Representatives in November. You can watch it in the player below:
Gary Wilson has been a full-time police officer since 2012 after joining the department in 2003. He was one of two police officers honored by the township last year for rescuing a disoriented man who wandered away from home during a snowstorm and collapsed in a wooded area.
In memory of his fallen son, Gary Wilson intends to create a scholarship to help others attend the fire academy who otherwise would not be able to afford it.