GAHANNA, Ohio — Three Gahanna Police officers were awarded Medals of Honor at the Gahanna City Council meeting Monday night. The three were recognized for their heroic efforts to help the victims of the I-70 crash in Licking County last November.
On Nov. 14, 2023, Sgt. Justin Sheasby, Sgt. Kyle Parrish, and Officer Kaylea Pertz were heading to Zanesville for training, when a plume of smoke across the highway stopped them in their tracks.
"We saw an explosion, which was horrific,” Sgt. Parrish said.
A semitruck had crashed into several cars and a bus carrying Tusky Valley High School students who were heading to Columbus. Three students and three adults were killed in the crash.
The three Gahanna Police officers were the first to arrive at the scene.
"We did what any other officer that we work with would've done,” Sgt. Sheasby said.
"All three of us just jumped out, did what we could do… just hoping we were making a difference,” Parrish said.
Monday night, the difference those officers made that day was honored by the city they represent.
"Never in our recorded history have we issued a medal of honor, its never been awarded. Tonight, we're gonna award three,” Gahanna Police Chief Jeffrey Spence said.
The day of the crash, as one officer went to the side of the bus to help students and chaperones get off, the other two worked to usher those who made it off away from the scene.
"Most of us have children and it just makes you realize that, you never know. So, I think you take that into account every day when you come to work, that it might be a bad day for someone and you gotta do your best to hopefully lessen that bad day,” Parrish said.
The officers were honored for their unwavering commitment to protect and serve in the face of tragedy.
"They use words like hero and stuff today, and I don't feel like a hero,” Sheasby said.
The sergeants added they felt overwhelmed by the recognition.
"Its an honor that we are supported and appreciated by the department, the city, and the community,” Parrish said.
"I feel super honored and thankful that people have taken their time to recognize us,” Sheasby said.
The humility of the officers was on full display, as they didn’t want the focus to be on them, but rather the community that still is in need of support after a tragedy many won’t soon forget.
"I just feel really bad for the families and the friends that had to through that tragedy,” Sheasby said.
"Its gonna be a long road, its gonna be difficult road, but with the support of the community, and their people, and their families they'll make it, they'll make it through,” Parrish said.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate the crash. The findings from the investigation likely won’t be released for another several months.