HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Governor Tom Wolf has ordered the commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s flag be lowered to half-staff to honor Rostraver West Newton Paramedic Matthew Smelser, who was killed on Sunday while responding to a crash on I-70.
The flag will remain at half-staff until Smelser’s internment.
That date has not been announced.
“Matthew Smelser’s death is a tragic reminder of the risk taken by emergency personnel across the state each day to rescue Pennsylvanians in distress,” said Gov. Wolf. “We need to do our part to exercise caution while traveling, especially during winter weather or when approaching the scene of an accident.”
Greg Cominsky, business office manager with Rostraver West Newton Ems, discussed Smeltzer’s legacy with KDKA Radio’s Marty Griffin.
“He was a real gentleman. He loved his community. He loved caring for patients. That’s what he did. That’s what he was born to do.”