COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Fire Chief Jeff Happ is facing discipline, including possible termination, over his handling of a July 2023 fatal crash involving Engine 5.

The crash occurred when the engine, driven by probationary firefighter Tyler Conners, crossed lanes of traffic on Interstate 270. Timothy Wiggins crashed into the back of the engine and died from his injuries.

The disciplinary investigation was launched in June 2025, about a year after the criminal investigation concluded. Mayor Andrew Ginther defended the timing.

“We thought it was really important to take our time to look at everything, to let the process play out. We are not in a hurry. We are not in a rush to judgment. We want to follow the facts wherever they lead,” Ginther said.

Email first withheld, then released

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