North Randall firefighter remembered for life of service after tragic accident

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio (WJW) — A local fire department and community are mourning the loss of a firefighter who was killed while trying to help a stranded motorist early Saturday morning in Pepper Pike. “Firefighter Cam Duvall was a great firefighter,” North Randall Fire Department Public Information Officer Anthony Lombardo said. “He was an exceptional paramedic. He was the guy that you wanted to have around the firehouse.” According to a Pepper Pike police news release, 29-year-old Duvall died at the scene of a crash just before 2:50 a.m. while trying to change a tire for a stranded motorist. Police said Duvall and a woman he was with were pinned between two vehicles after a suspected drunk driver struck the disabled vehicle near the intersection of Fairmount Boulevard and Brainard Road. Three vehicles were involved in the crash. The woman was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition. Duvall died at the scene. Joseph Simmons, 26, of Geneva, was identified as the driver of the vehicle that allegedly failed to stop. He was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence. Simmons appeared in Shaker Heights Municipal Court on Monday morning. His bond was set at $150,000. No plea was entered, and the case was bound over to Cuyahoga County. Lombardo said Duvall had served as a North Randall firefighter and paramedic since 2022. He also served two other communities before joining the department. The department is grieving while focusing on supporting Duvall’s family and friends. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through,” Lombardo said. “I can’t imagine what his friends are going through.” Friends and colleagues said Duvall was a devoted Cleveland sports fan who traveled across the country to cheer on the Cleveland Browns. They also said he was deeply committed to his career and dedicated to serving others. “Cam believed in doing the right thing,” Lombardo said. “Cam would do anything he was asked.” Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. A short procession traveled from the North Randall Fire Department to the funeral home Monday morning. A GoFundMe has been established to help with funeral expenses and honor Duvall’s memory. “Just pray for Cam and his family, pray for his friends and the fire department,” Lombardo said. “That right there is enough and greatly appreciated.”