This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Rep. Lipinski's Bill Renaming Mount Greenwood Post Office for Fallen Firefighter Capt. "Herbie" Johnson Passes House

Today the House of Representatives passed Congressman Dan Lipinski’s (IL-3) bill, H.R. 3085, renaming Chicago’s Mount Greenwood post office as the Captain Herbert Johnson Memorial Post Office Building.  Captain Herbert “Herbie” Johnson died on November 2, 2012, at the age of 54, while battling flames in the attic of a two-story home in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.

“Capt. Johnson heroically served in the Chicago Fire Department for over 32 years,” Rep. Lipinski said.  “He learned public service from his family.  Three of his brothers are Chicago police officers, a sister is a retired Chicago police officer, and another brother is a Chicago firefighter, so his family knows the dangers of being a first responder.  Capt. Johnson served in almost every Chicago neighborhood as a firefighter, but his heart belonged to the Southwest Side.”

 Over the years, Capt. Johnson taught over one thousand recruits as an instructor at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy.  He is fondly remembered by those he taught.  After the horrible terrorist attacks on 9-11, Herbie Johnson went to New York City to volunteer with the rescue efforts.  In 2007, he was awarded the state’s highest honor for firefighters, the Illinois Medal of Honor, for rescuing several children from a burning apartment building.

Find out what's happening in Beverly-MtGreenwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Susan, two sons, Thomas and Michael, and daughter, Laurie.  He also left behind so many others in Mount Greenwood and the surrounding area who knew him not only as a courageous and dedicated public servant, but also as an outgoing and caring neighbor and friend.  During a speech on the House floor, Congressman Lipinski said that the outpouring of grief after Herbie’s death demonstrated the impact he had on so many people.

 “Naming a postal facility honoring Fire Capt. Johnson is just a small tribute of our appreciation not only for him, but all first responders who bravely put their lives on the line every day for people they don’t even know,” Rep. Lipinski stated.  “This post office naming will ensure that Capt. Herbie Johnson, his family, and the sacrifices of all first responders will always be remembered and appreciated, and will hopefully serve as a powerful source of inspiration in the community.”

Find out what's happening in Beverly-MtGreenwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The post office building is located at 3349 West 111th Street in Chicago.  H.R. 3085 now moves on to the Senate. 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?