Farewell to a Firefighter
The Manchester Township Fire Department’s new truck, Tanker 7-2, was parked outside the funeral home in honor of Harry Johnson, who passed away last week. Johnson served 65 years on the fire department, many of those years as its secretary.
Story and photos by Marsha Chartrand
It was truly the passing of an age for the Manchester Township Fire Department. Harry Johnson, 97, was honored for his years of service by his fellow firefighters last week at his funeral ceremony. Harry was remembered not only for his dedication but for his sense of humor and his compassion toward his comrades — often in his later years, it was told, he could be found taking care of children at the fire hall while the parents were out on a rescue or fire call.
Johnson was the last of his generation to remain on the fire department, and the respect and affection given to his memory were touching and unfailing.
Firefighters with the recently delivered new tanker truck, which had been purchased in memory of Ray and Wanda Tirb.
Firefighters wait to proceed into the funeral home and pay their respects to Harry Johnson.
Firefighters enter the funeral home.
Firefighter Holly Horodeczny shared a traditional reading of End of Watch.
Chief Bill Scully rings the fire bell for a final tribute to Johnson.
Pallbearers and Johnson’s grandson, Dan Murray, who is a firefighter at Metro Airport, bring the casket out of the funeral home (above) and place it into the hearse (below).
Lt. Don Steele sounds his pager for a “last call” from central dispatch in memory of Johnson.
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