Barberton Tree Service crew shows bravery in face of tragedy

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BARBERTON TREE SERVICE

Barberton Tree Service removes a tree from a house in Akron. A 33-year-old man was found deceased on the top floor of the house underneath part of the tree that landed on the house during a recent storm.

By EMILY CANNING-DEAN

BGNN staff writer

BARBERTON  Following a tragedy that occurred in Akron May 22, Lisa Devenport of Barberton Tree Service Inc. said she is proud of her crew for their bravery and professionalism when dealing with the aftermath.

According to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Akron Fire Department was called to the 400 block of Sumner Street at approximately 10:47 a.m. in reference to a tree that had fallen over during a recent storm, landing on a house. While fire personnel were clearing the residence, they discovered a deceased male on the top floor underneath part of the tree that landed on the house.

The man was later identified as 33-year-old Paul Matvey.

“In my 27 years at Barberton Tree Service I had never taken a call like this,” Devenport said.

In the midst of feeling shock over the tragedy, Devenport called up her elite team of Aaron Wagnitz, Jordon Buss, Chris Covell and Kyle Mellor as well as safety director Scotty McQuaide and certified arborist Adrianne Tanner.

“I explained to them this was not our normal call and that they did not have to do this,” she said. “I wanted to make sure they were mentally OK with this. My main concern was their mental health. These guys are very well trained and work like a fine oiled machine, but this was something very different.”

Devenport said it took only seconds for the crew to agree to help.

“They wasted no time and said ‘absolutely we will meet you there and we will stay there to help all the way,’” she said.

Davenport also pointed out that the tree had severely compromised the structure of the residence which meant that making the cuts was a dangerous endeavor.

“I would estimate the tree they had to cut was probably about 25,000 pounds,” she said. “There were also about 60 or 70 people on the scene which with that many people watching can add to the pressure. But everyone was very respectful to the crew.”

As Devenport watched, she said she felt proud of her crew as they worked carefully and professionally get the work done.

“There’s no training for days like this for our men, just pure heart and soul,” she said. “Our prayers go out to this young man’s family and friends and dear neighbors.”

Devenport said she also wants to remind the community that accidents like the one in Akron can sometimes be prevented. She said it is important to cut down unhealthy trees that are close to a structure. 

“Big trees can be very majestic, but when they are close to a house it is important to take some preventative measures,” she said. “It’s important to take the time to make sure there aren’t any cracks, or splits or holes that exist or any fungus at the bottom of the trees. It’s not 100 percent preventable but taking precautions can prevent a dangerous situation.”