COLUMBUS, Ind. — Firefighters throughout Bartholomew County are mourning one of their finest this week.
Roger Johnson, described by former Columbus Fire Chief Mike Compton as a “legend in the volunteer firefighting community,” died Friday at the age of 75 after battling the COVID-19 virus for four months.
“For Columbus firefighters, he has always been our friend and a strong supporter,” Compton said.
In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Johnson held a variety of firefighting positions on the local and state levels that largely focused on public safety and the supporting firefighters.
He was also a former chief of what was formerly called the East Columbus Volunteer Fire Department. Known today as Columbus Township Fire and Rescue, current Chief Dave Thompson said he had a extreme amount of respect for Johnson.
“He was always good about keeping us informed about everything that was going on (in firefighting) from the local level all the way up to the state level,” Thompson said.
He described Johnson as a true mentor who never stopped teaching him new things. Thompson also recalls how Johnson had recommended him for the top administrative position in his department.
“He’s been a huge part of my career and he will be sorely missed,” Thompson said.
For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
