WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioFuneral procession honors fellow tow truck driver

Funeral procession honors fellow tow truck driver

STRUTHERS, Ohio - Tow truck drivers from across the state take part in the funeral procession of a fellow tow truck operator.

Family, friends, fellow firefighters, tow truck drivers and members of the community paid their respects to tow truck owner and operator Paul Macejko.

The 56-year-old man, who grew up in Struthers, lost his life in a traffic crash shortly after one in the morning Saturday while he was cleaning debris from another accident in Boardman.

Macjeko was also a well loved former volunteer firefighter. "My very first house fire, which was on Elm Street catty corner from the fire station, the first person I went in with was Paulie Macjeko and I will never forget. He will be missed," said Struthers resident Mike Patrick.

Tow truck operators showed up in mass. At least 36 from the area and across the state showed their support to their fallen brother and wanted to relay a message of safety to all drivers.

"When you see flashing lights, whether it be a tow truck, ambulance, police, or fire; slow down, pull over, stop if you have to," said Mel Marshall, President Professional Towers.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says both west bound lanes were closed to traffic and that firefighters and patrol officers were still at the scene when Macjeko stepped in front of a car in the east bound lane.

Officials do not believe the driver was speeding in the 40 mile per hour zone and was not believed to have been using a cell phone.

Tow truck drivers say Macjeko will be missed.