Mt. Greenwood Post Office To Be Named for Fallen Chicago Firefighter

CFD Capt. Herbert “Herbie” Johnson had a larger-than-life personality, but he was also very humble. Although he’s been gone for ten months, his spirit has never left Chicago's Southwest Side.

Johnson died in the line of duty on Nov. 2, 2012, while battling flames in the attic of a two-story home in Chicago’s Englewood community. He was 54 years old. He left his wife of 28 years, Susan; two sons, Thomas and Michael; and a daughter, Laurie. Services at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel drew thousands of mourners over two days.

To honor Johnson's indomitable spirit, his bravery, his humor and his lasting legacy, Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) introduced H.R. 3085, a bill to rename the post office in the Mt. Greenwood community, the “Capt. Herbert Johnson Memorial Post Office” building.

“My legislation to rename the Mount Greenwood Post Office makes sure that he will never be forgotten," Rep. Lipinski said. "He was a true ‘hero’ in every sense of the word.”

Johnson was known as an outgoing, caring and dedicated public servant, who was popular and well-liked throughout the Mount Greenwood, Beverly, and Morgan Park communities on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Almost every year he drove the fire truck down Western Avenue for the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In 2007, Johnson received the state’s highest award for firefighters, the Illinois Medal of Honor, for rescuing several children from a burning apartment.

Following Johnson's tragic death in the line of duty, Rep. Lipinski’s office reached out to the family, neighborhood officials and leaders, as well as the Chicago Fire Department, to discuss commemorating Johnson’s sacrifice. Rep. Lipinski’s legislation was cosponsored by the other 17 members from Illinois in the House of Representatives.

“I would like to thank Congressman Lipinski for arranging this incredible honor for Herbie and our family. This neighborhood was very important to Herbie – we have lived here for 27 years and raised our children here. Many of Herbie’s brothers and sisters live here. I hope that our future grandchildren will grow up here, too,” said his widow, Susan Johnson.

“Herbie was an ordinary man who loved doing his job. He had an extraordinary personality that will never be forgotten," she continued. "Every day, when we get our mail from ‘Herbie’s post office,’ this will remind us that his spirit lives on and that he continues to be a hero.”

“Herbie Johnson was a great friend, an admired and respected leader in the Chicago Fire Department, and a beloved figure in our neighborhood,” said 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea. “Thanks to Congressman Lipinski and this legislation, Herbie's incredible heart, quick wit, and unique sense of humor will be in our hearts and minds forever.”

READ Patch's coverage of Capt. Herbie Johnson's death and funeral:

• Thousands Gather at Capt. Herbie Johnson's Wake
• Neighborhood Says Goodbye to Herbie Johnson
• Photos: A Neighborhood in Mourning