Monday, March 11, 2013
The South Side Irish Parade returns to its family roots while honoring local first responders.
The idea of family seems to pop up again and again at the South Side Irish Parade: full floats emblazoned with the names of recognizable Beverly clans, children on their parents' shoulders craning their necks for a better view and the outpouring of support shown to the families of Fire Capt. Herbie Johnson, Firefighter Walter Patmon, Jr., and Police Officer Michael Flisk. It was a solemn way to start a parade, but a reminder that this community takes care of its own. READ: Photo Gallery: South Side Irish Parade 2013 This was the second year back for the parade after a brief hiatus. The focus last year was on reestablishing the event as family-focused and devoid of rowdy crowds that grew in years past. "A lot of it is getting the message …
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The grand marshals of the 2013 parade will be local first responders and the families of those recently lost in the line of duty.
It will be a fitting way to start the 2013 parade. The South Side Irish Parade Committee announced Tuesday that this year's grand marshal will be local first responders and the families of those lost in the line of duty. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon local officials and parade committee members honored those who lost loved ones in the line of duty. The families of Fire Captain Herbie Johnson, Police Officer Michael Flisk and Firefighter Walter Patmon, Jr. gathered at King-Lockhart Memorial Park on Western Avenue to participate in the ceremony. It was a meaningful location for all those in attendence. "It was 15 years ago last night that we had the tragic fire at this very location where we stand today," said Ald. Matt O'Shea…
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thousands of mourners filled the Saint Rita Shrine Chapel and thousands more lined the streets of Beverly to pay their final respects to a fallen firefighter and beloved neighbor.
The rows of firefighters stretched on for as far as the eye could see. Flags flew and bagpipes played as the casket of one of their own was raised into Engine 123, one last ride for the fallen hero. Capt. Herbie Johnson, 54, died after injuries sustained while battling a fire on Nov. 2. He was laid to rest on Thursday after an overflowing crowd at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel remembered the man they knew and loved. "I can stand up here for a year and talk about the fun, the laughter and the tears that we all shared," said his brother John Johnson while delivering a eulogy for his older brother. Read More: Neighborhood Says Goodbye to Herbie Johnson Johnson is survived by his wife Susan and children Thomas, Laurie and Michael "Mickey…
Beverly and Mt. Greenwood residents and schoolchildren turn out to say goodbye to CFD Capt. Herbie Johnson on Thursday. View the photo gallery and watch the video.
An American flag draped Herbie Johnson’s regular seat at the Cork and Kerry Pub on Western Avenue. An open bottle of Johnson's favorite beer--Bud Light--sat on the bar top. Connect with Patch: Beverly-Mt.Greenwood / Oak Lawn / Evergreen Park “There’s a lot of flag draped chairs in bars all over this neighborhood,” a patron cracks wise about fun-loving Herbie, the bigger-than-life, CFD fire captain who died in the line of duty on Nov. 2. Bartender Debra dabs her eyes with a napkin as she watches Johnson’s funeral on one of the many flat-screen TVs in the bar. “I knew Herbie for ten years. He came in here every Friday that he wasn’t on duty and sat in that chair over there,” she says, pointing to the flag-draped stool in the corner beneath …
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
With a line that stretched around Saint Rita, thousands of well-wishers came to pay their respects to fallen firefighter Capt. Herbert Johnson.
Two ladders stand tall and an American flag hangs in between. Below, the line of firefighters in uniform, neighbors and friends stretches around the Saint Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel. They are all here to pay their respects to Capt. Herbie Johnson and share their condolences with his family. "It's a great send off for a true hero," said Ted Johnson, Herbie's younger brother. Those who knew Johnson describe him as a fun-loving man who was devoted to his family and the department. "I think my brother a true hero," said John Johnson, another brother and member of the Chicago Police Department. The mood inside was described as very solemn by Dan McMahon, Johnson's brother-in-law. Photos are displayed and an American flag that was present …
Monday, November 5, 2012
Donations can be made to the fund and will go directly to the Johnson family.
A memorial fund has been established for Capt. Herbie Johnson, who died after fighting a fire on Nov. 2. Johnson will be waked on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Saint Rita High School and the funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Nov. 8 at the school. Read: Funeral Arrangements Set For Capt. Herbie Johnson Full details on the fund: BMO Harris Bank, in partnership with the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees', Widows' & Children's Assistance Fund and Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, today announced the establishment of a memorial fund to benefit the family of Herbert "Herbie" Johnson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in a tragic incident battling a fire in Chicago. "Captain Johnson made Chicago a safer place - his bravery was known far and …
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The fallen firefighter will be waked at Saint Rita of Cascia High School on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
Wake and funeral arrangements for Chicago Fire Department Capt. Herbert Johnson have been released. The wake will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Shrine Chapel of Saint Rita of Cascia High School, 7740 South Western Avenue. A funeral Mass will also be held at Saint Rita on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. Johnson will be interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The following is Johnson's death notice: Captain Herbert T. Johnson "Herbie" (CFD); Devoted husband of Susan, nee McMahon; Loving father of CPL Thomas (USMC), Laurie, and Michael "Mickey"; Dear brother of Julie (the late Douglas) Marcinek, Mary Cay, Peggy (Dave) Ladd, John, James (Theresa), Ted (Ruth), and Terry; Cherished son of the late Herbert J. and Joan; Dear …
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Fallen Chicago Fire Department Capt. Herbie Johnson is remembered throughout Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park.
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Capt. Herbie Johnson, a Beverly resident, died yesterday after battling a fire. Those who knew him reflect on the loss.
For residents of the 19th Ward the death of a firefighter or police officer always hits close to home. Capt. Herbie Johnson, a 32-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department, died Friday, Nov. 2 after injuries sustained while responding to a fire on South Side. The West Beverly resident was remembered by those who knew him as a caring family man and an outgoing neighbor. "This is a sad day for Chicago, and an especially sad day for our neighborhood," said Ald. Matt O'Shea. "Herbie Johnson was a dedicated firefighter, husband, brother, father and an active member of St. Cajetan Parish. To know him was to love him." O'Shea was a neighbor of Johnson's and reflected on the impact his death would have on all who knew him. He mentioned other …
Josh Higgins
11:12 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
R.I.P Herb... U were a friend of the families and one amazing fireman who had a TRUE sense of duty and commitment... U will be missed wholeheartedly... May your procession through the golden gates into heaven be smooth and quick... Much love... The Higgins Family more ›