Benefit dinner to be held for Town and Country Firefighter who died in service

MEDINA — A benefit dinner for fallen Town and Country firefighter Lt. Paul Mickolick will be held Aug. 30, with proceeds going to Mickolick's family. Town and Country Fire District announced the line-of-duty death of Mickolick on April 19. Mickolick was assisting a driver when he was struck by another vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Town and Country said Mickolick was a dedicated firefighter, paramedic, leader and public servant. "His unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others was evident in every aspect of his service," the department said. "With 16 years of service with the Cleveland Clinic as a flight paramedic and four and a half years of experience on the fire department, Lt. Mickolick exemplified courage, integrity and selflessness both on and off duty. One can only imagine the countless number of lives he has impacted through his dedicated service." The benefit dinner is hosted by Lodi Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association at Williams on the Lake, 787 Lafayette Road, from 6 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 30. Event coordinator Stacy Franklin, of Lodi Fire and Rescue, said the organization wants to help the family as much as it can. "Everything that we are going to make is going to the family," she said. "We want everyone to know that we are here for our fellow firefighters, our friends and the family of a fallen firefighter. Any given time we are here. We just want to show some gratitude for all of his hard work." Franklin said Mickolick was a pillar of his community. "He helped out a lot and he touched a lot of people's lives," she said. "We are trying to give back to his family, because nothing in this world will replace him." The cost of tickets for the dinner is $45 and includes appetizers, dinner, dessert and drinks. The event will also have raffles and door prizes. Tickets and other donations can be purchased from tinyurl.com/32vcheer. Contact reporter Patrick Rhonemus at (330) 721–4050 or prhonemus@medina-gazette.com.