» MORE COVERAGE: Firefighter, 72, has to have leg amputated after being pinned at crash scene
1. Hit while helping a trapped crash victim
Noble was at the scene of a crash between a Chevy Suburban and a large SUV on U.S. 68. While he was attempting to help a trapped driver out of the Suburban, a Chevy Cobalt slid into the crash site and hit Noble, who became pinned against the Suburban. The driver of the Suburban, Jo Ellen Stringer, 48, of Springfield, was treated and released for minor injuries at Springfield Regional Hospital. The driver of the Cobalt, identified as Devin A. Smith, 27, of Springfield, was uninjured.
2. Leg needed amputation due to severity of his injuries
Noble was taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center but was later transferred to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton in serious condition. Sgt. Jason Cradle of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Noble had to have his leg amputated due to the injuries he sustained in the crash. He is currently listed in critical but stable condition.
3. A township supporting him
Mike Hively, the fiscal officer for Springfield Twp., said he has worked with Noble and his wife, who serves as the township’s office manager, for several years and he and many others were devastated to hear the news. Hively said many in the township are praying for his recovery.
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4. A reminder of safety risks
Ohio law was changed following a deadly crash in 1998 on I-675, which took the lives of Centerville Police Officer John Kalaman and Firefighter Robert O’Toole. Drivers are now required to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and personnel at crash scenes.
“It’s a dangerous place to be … That law is in place to protect the first responders. If you can’t get over, slow down substantially,“ Centerville Police spokesman John Davis said.
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