Bowling Green City Council recognized firefighter Steve Tyda and his wife, Dawn Tyda, during Monday’s city council meeting with awards for saving the life of a man who was planning to jump off the East Wooster overpass at Interstate 75.
The recognized event occurred Feb. 17 at 11 p.m. as Steve and Dawn Tyda were traveling north on I-75. They had noticed a man standing on the edge of the overpass facing the highway — he intended to kill himself. They had turned their vehicle around and confronted the man, offering to pray with him and buying just enough time for Steve Tyda to tackle him before he could jump. Steve Tyda held him down until the authorities arrived.
Both Steve and Dawn Tyda were individually recognized by Mayor Richard Edwards for their lifesaving actions. Steve received the Bowling Green Fire Division Distinguished Service Award for his bravery off duty and for taking substantial personal risk to save his another person’s life. Dawn received a similar award for her actions as an extraordinary citizen.
Both citizens received standing ovations from the chambers upon receiving their awards.
Mayor Edwards continued the optimistic tone by commemorating the Bowling Green Police Department’s handling of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Edwards received a personal note of appreciation from Robert Mauer , a prominent Bowling Green community member, for the city’s “smooth” performance in keeping everyone safe and for protecting Bowling Green property.
Edwards announced that city leaders and residents alike will be participating in the March for Meals hosted by the Wood County Committee on Aging this Wednesday. The march is for raising awareness about the city’s senior center and the services it provides to Wood County’s aging community.
He also reminded attendants of the Community Interfaith Breakfast, which will happen April 3 from 7:15 to 9:00 a.m. at the Junior Fair Building on the Wood County Fair Grounds. The event will be hosted by the First United Methodist Church and is designed to promote peace through religious diversity. The event attracted over 250 people last year. RSVP by March 26 here: http://[email protected].
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter also announced the city has filled its new Sustainability Coordinator position. University graduate Amanda Gamby will begin her role managing the city’s commitment to sustainability April 2.
Tretter said that Gamby is an “energetic and engaging person. She will fit in nicely with our current staff.”
For more information about this position, check the city’s website.
