x
Breaking News
More () »

Rep. Anthony Gonzalez to bring father of Columbia Township firefighter who died assisting crash victims to State of the Union

Brett Wilson died as a result of injuries suffered by coming in contact with downed power lines.

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

RELATED: Funeral arrangements announced for Columbia Township firefighter who died 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.

RELATED: Local family thankful for firefighter's 'stop, drop and roll,' lesson just days before his death

RELATED: Trump faces his accusers in State of the Union speech Tuesday

RELATED: Trump State of the Union to project optimism during bitter division

Before You Leave, Check This Out