COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The Columbus Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own, following a motorcycle crash while off-duty Tuesday night.
Firefighter Derek Walton died in the crash that occurred along East Long Street, at North 11th Street, just after 9:30PM. The investigation into the crash is being handled by the Columbus Division of Police Accident Investigation Unit.
He joined the force in June 2014, and was assigned to Station 23, at Livingston Avenue and Hamilton Road. Fire Chief Kevin O'Connor says it was an assignment he fought for, because he was so passionate about working in that neighborhood
Walton grew up in Columbus, and was a graduate of South High School Urban Academy in 2003. He served in the US Army from 2004-2007, before receiving an honorable discharge.
(photo courtesy Columbus fire Department)