The Cedar Springs Fire Department and other area fire departments were part of a funeral procession Tuesday, for former Cedar Springs Firefighter Tony (T.D.) Johnson.
Johnson, 63, of Solon Township, was a firefighter for 20-plus years for Cedar Springs, and served as assistant fire chief. He was also a firefighter and first responder for Solon Township after he left the Cedar Springs Fire Department. He answered his last call, on Friday, January 25, when he passed away.
The funeral procession for Johnson started at Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford, and wound its way through Cedar Springs and out to Solon Cemetery.
It is very fitting that the Fire Department did this for Tony. I remember Tony on the fire department at the same time my Dad served on it. When my Dad died in ’94 the Fire department escorted him to his final resting place in Elmwood cemetary with their then #4 Engine.
I am not sure who on the fire department drove the truck or was even there that day. I remember the truck as it lead the procession, and I know Tony was on the department the same time Dad was.
I have the upmost respect for all those on the Fire Department with Dad. In my eyes they can do no wrong because of the respect they gave to my father on his journey to his resting place.
I would be lieing if I said this picture did not choke me up even after 19 years! Thank you Tony RIP, and Thank you CSFD for this. I am glad that on his journey he was honored like this. I hope it meant as much to his family as it did to me.