Rostraver West Newton paramedic Matthew Smelser laid to rest in Monongahela

More than 300 emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters and police officers gathered under a steady rain Friday in Monongahela to honor Matthew C. Smelser.

They stood shoulder to shoulder and stretched two blocks down Chess Street for a finale salute to the Rostraver West Newton paramedic supervisor who was killed in the line of duty this week.

An overflow crowd of mourners congregated outside Marshall Marra Funeral Home, where funeral services were held for the 43-year-old first responder who co-workers said died doing the job he wanted to do since he was a teenager.

Smelser, a father of two, was killed after being struck by a tractor-trailer while treating a motorist injured in a crash along Interstate 70 in South Huntingdon about 5:30 a.m. Sunday. State police said icy roads might have been a factor in the deadly accident, which is under investigation.

Instead of a hearse, Smelser’s coffin was transported to Monongahela Cemetery for interment in a Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services ambulance outfitted with memorial black bunting. A green wreath with a black bow adorned its front grill. The Pittsburgh Paramedic Piper and Drum Corps played bagpipes and drums as he was carried out of the funeral home by emergency service personnel.

More than 250 emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks and police units, parked along Chess and Railroad streets to take part in the approximately two-mile long procession from the funeral home to the cemetery, said Chris Tantlinger, deputy emergency management coordinator of the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety.

Units came from as far away as New York City to the east and Toledo, Ohio, from the west.

Spencer Clark, a Toledo police officer, was among those who travelled to Washington County city to pay tribute to Smelser even though the two never met. Still, Clark said he heard firsthand what a caring family man Smelser was. Clark’s partner on the police force is Smelser’s brother, Jason Thomas.

As Thomas walked out of the funeral home after the service in his dress police uniform, he spotted the contingent of Toledo officers standing in the rain. He walked over and hugged each one.

“It’s the least we could do to be here for Jason and his family. We’re here to show our support …. not only on a professional level, but on a personal level,” Clark said.

Monongahela Police Sgt. Ryan Lenzi said he wasn’t surprised by the turnout.

“Matt was really a great guy… so well-liked by everyone who ever met him. He will be greatly missed by the whole community,” Lenzi said.

Ryan Highlands, a paramedic from Jeannette, also stood outside the funeral home to honor Smelser.

“I think the number of people here today just shows you the type of character Matt had not only as an emergency service provider, but as a family man,” Highlands said. “When you talk to people in the community who knew him, they will tell you he was like no other. He was so professional, very meticulous in his job and just a very well-rounded individual.”

Smelser was born in Toledo, Ohio, the the son of Charles J. Thomas of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Sandra Spivey Smelser of Monessen.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 19 years, Lynn Lenzi Smelser, their son Logan and daughter Adriana.

Smelser was a 1995 graduate of Frazier High School in Perryopolis. For the past 24 years, he worked as a paramedic, becoming a supervisor for the Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services, while also working for UPMC’s Paramedic Response Unit.

During his time with UPMC, he worked with his K9, Mondo.