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Firefighter Remembered As 'Great Ambassador' As Crash Investigation Continues

Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48

Cincinnati Firefighter Jordan Pieniazek is being remembered as a good firefighter and a great family man. The off-duty firefighter was struck and killed by a car while riding his motorcycle to work Sunday morning.

"Jordan was a fine young man, a good firefighter, great family man" says Assistant Fire Chief Tom Lakamp. "He was good for the community. He was good for the city. Jordan was just really nice to everyone, everyone that he came in contact with. On medical runs it didn't matter where you from, who you were. Jordan was an excellent ambassador for the Cincinnati Fire Department and it's a tragedy that we've lost him."

"Jordan was an excellent ambassador for the Cincinnati Fire Department and it's a tragedy that we've lost him."

Authorities are still investigating what led to the early morning crash. Police Lt. Bruce Hoffbauer says a Toyota Camry driven by Patric Tucker went left of center, striking Pieniazek. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Tucker was treated and released from Good Samaritan Hospital. He has not been arrested or cited.

"Preliminarily there were no indications of impairment on either driver," says Hoffbauer. He says it's unknown if distracted driving was involved. Investigators are still trying to find Tucker's phone. It couldn't be found during the initial crash scene investigation, according to Hoffbauer.

A liaison from the Cincinnati Fire Department is working with Pieniazek's family, who are not native to Cincinnati.

"We are trying to anticipate every need that they may have to make things as easy as possible for them at this time," says Lakamp. He says that includes everything from yard work to meals and funeral arrangements.

Lakamp adds, "The guys that Jordan was reporting for stayed on duty yesterday. We had a discussion that we still have a job to do, that it doesn't make our jobs any less dangerous because we've had a tragedy in the family and we needed to have our heads on straight when the bells hit yesterday. They're consummate professionals and they did that."

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.