CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said he was saddened after hearing that fire Lt. Richard A. Petras died from coronavirus complications over the weekend.
Petras worked for the Cleveland Fire Department for 26 years, mostly in the Glenville neighborhood.
He was promoted to lieutenant in July.
Cleveland leaders Jackson, safety director Karrie Howard and Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo released the following statement:
"We offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and fellow firefighters grieving his loss. We ask that others respect the family’s need for privacy at this time."
He was awarded a number of honors as a firefighter including:
· In 1999, he saved multiple people from an apartment fire at in the 10000 block of Wade Park, a fire he came across on his way to work. He was awarded the Michael R. White Lifesaver Award, a Cleveland City Council Resolution from Council President Jay Westbrook and a Certificate of Commendation from the Division of Fire.
· Petras was recognized in 2011 for saving multiple lives at a fire in the 7000 block of Euclid Avenue and received a certificate of recognition from Cuyahoga County Executive Edward FitzGerald.
· He and two other Cleveland firefighters were recognized as the 2015 “Whelen Everyday Champions.” Responding from a medical call, they came upon a house fire and were able to save residents from the fire.
Petras was 51-years-old.
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