(Washington, DC) - Fire Chief Burton W. Johnson (Ret.), the first African-American to lead the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, died Friday, August 17 at Providence Hospital in the District.

Chief Johnson died as a result of failing health. He was 89 years old.

Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin of the DC Fire and EMS Department said, “On behalf of Mayor Adrian Fenty and our grateful Agency, I would like to express my deepest heartfelt sympathy to Chief Johnson’s family and friends. His legacy lives on.” 

On January 16, 1943, Johnson began his career as a Firefighter at Engine Company 4, one of the Department’s first all-black fire stations. Johnson would spend his entire professional career in the DC Fire and EMS Department, working his way up to Fire Chief.  He retired on March 1, 1978. Engine Company 4, the Department’s Color Guard and a bagpiper with the Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Band will participate in Chief Johnson’s funeral.

WHAT:	Funeral of Retired Fire Chief Burton W. Johnson
WHEN:	Saturday, August 25, 2007, from 9 – 10:45 am
WHERE:	St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church 3601 Alabama Ave., SE Washington, DC
INTERMENT:	Ft. Lincoln Cemetery 3401 Bladensburg Rd. Brentwood, Maryland