From Ohio Task Force 1
With great sadness, we pass along the loss of a valuable Ohio Task Force 1 member.
Communications Specialist Mark M. Griggs, age 69, passed away on January 21, 2022. He was born on January 8, 1953 to the late Florence and John R. Griggs in Columbus, Ohio.
Before his involvement with OH-TF1, Mark was a first responder to the World Trade Center collapse on 9-11. As a dedicated amateur radio operator, he provided communications support for various responders and operations during the collapse rescue efforts.
Mark joined OH-TF1 in 2014, as a Communications Specialist. Mark acquired communications certifications in six different disciplines, including Amateur Extra Class’s highest classification in amateur radio, and was the District Emergency Coordinator for the Columbus area Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). Mark deployed multiple times to disasters with our team, most recently to the Florida Champlain Towers collapse.
Mark also served in the Marines with honors and served at several U.S. Embassies.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Viven; children, Christopher (Kaley) Griggs and Jennifer (Nick) Baughman; Ava, Reese, Riley, Jaxon, Raelyn, Cooper; siblings, Cindy Armentrout, Richard “Bruce” (Jenny) Griggs, Penny (Ralph) Byrum; sister-in-law, Carol Griggs. Preceded also by his brother, John R. Griggs II.
Thank you for your service Mark, our entire team will miss your joy and enthusiasm.
