Police Dispatcher Killed in Vehicle Crash

A veteran Girard (Ohio) police dispatcher was killed early Wednesday morning when his car crashed into a truck on Interstate 80. Thomas Zuppo, 47, was an 11-year veteran of the agency, where his father also served 35 years as a police officer. State Patrol officers say Zuppo’s vehicle was traveling at “a high rate of speed” when it struck a slower-moving, Department of Transportation truck that was distributing salt on the roadway. Zuppo’s car caught fire, and Zuppo died immediately, officers said. The truck driver received slight injuries. Girard police chief Jeff Palmer said the department was shocked at the death. “Obviously, he was well-liked by everyone here,” he said. Zuppo had worked an afternoon shift on Tuesday and Wednesday was his day off, Palmer said. Zuppo is survived by his wife, stepchildren and grandchildren. Read more here.