By Tisha Lewis, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Family and friends describe Captain Herbie Johnson as a devoted man who just wanted to make Chicago a better place.
The body of the 33-year Chicago Fire Department veteran was transported from the Medical Examiner's office to a Chicago Ridge funeral home one day after he succumbed to his injuries.
Family and friends remain stunned by Capt. Johnson's untimely death.
At McNally's in Morgan Park, a popular pub for firefighters, Bob Graney described his friend of 20 years.
"He would go in and help anybody at any given time. We just thought he was a great guy," Graney said. "Big shock, big shock, the whole neighborhood is in shock, everybody is in mourning right now."
Capt. Johnson suffered 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns to his face, in addition to damage to his internal airway and lung, all leading to cardiac arrest. Firefighters filled the streets surrounding the University of Chicago hospital and held a tribute moments after Johnson's passing Friday night.
On Saturday afternoon, purple bunting was draped across the Engine 123-Tower Ladder 39 fire station where Johnson is remembered as having a larger than life personality and being a leader.
Capt. Johnson was promoted to captain this past summer. He posed for a picture with Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago on the day of the ceremony. It was a proud moment for the husband and father of three.
"His family is very, very close to me," Tom Smith said. "His wife used to babysit my kids and my kids babysat his kids. I know the family pretty well."
The cause of the huge fire at 50th and Western remains under investigation. Although on Friday night, resident Longino Soto said a cable may be to blame. He also said there was no warning and that smoke detectors were not working.
The Chicago Tribune reports Capt. Johnson's family has asked that residents make sure their smoke alarms are working and to give their children a hug, in honor of the fallen firefighter.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:39:06 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:35 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:35:53 GMT
Transit officials said the first rush hour of CTA's five-month Red Line construction project went smoothly Friday morning. Mayor Emanuel also stopped by to thank commuters for taking the project in stride.
Transit officials said the first rush hour of CTA's five-month Red Line construction project went smoothly Friday morning. Mayor Emanuel also stopped by to thank commuters for taking the project in stride.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:18:43 GMT
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:42:49 GMT
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:40:07 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:38:56 GMT
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
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