Captain Robert W. Johnson

It is with the deepest sorrow that the Harwich Fire Department announces the passing of Captain Robert Johnson (Bobby J). Captain Johnson has been a veteran of the Harwich Fire Department for over 30 years. Captain Johnson had been recently side-lined by a malignant brain tumor. Bob fought the greatest battle of all with courage, dignity and passion. He inspired many, never gave up and he always had a joke and a smile. Captain Johnson has been a mentor and leader for so many of us.

The son of the former deputy fire chief, Bob graduated from Harwich High School in 1970 and helped form a rock band, known then as Atlantis. He played bass and the group performed all over the Northeast. Laurel soon joined the band and Bob's life. They have been married for 35 years. While working for his grandfather in Maine, he signed on to the Princeton, Maine, volunteer fire department, and attended the Maine State Fire Academy. Bob knew he’d found his life’s vocation. Captain Johnson was hired by the town of Harwich as a Firefighter in 1978 and prior to his death he was assigned to Fire Prevention with the rank of Captain. Captain Johnson had worked as a Paramedic, a Shift Officer and in his most favorite position - a back step Fire fighter.

Captain Johnson served on the executive board of Harwich Local 2124 from 1980 to 2000 and was President for eleven years during that time. Bob served on the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts EMS Committee from its inception in 1985 through 2002. He was elected to the PFFM executive board as a Trustee in 1999 and appointed by President McCarthy as Political Director from 2002-2006. Bob was a member of the Committee on Political Education and also served as the Web Administrator for the PFFM's website.

Captain Johnson received an Associates Degree in Fire Science from Cape Cod Community College, a B.A. Degree in Labor Studies from the University of Mass and he graduated from the Harvard Trade Union Program. Bob was one of the first recipients of the John and Nora Jennings Labor Scholarships. Bob was a member of the Fire Science Advisory Committee for Cape Cod Community College. He also served as Regional Vice President Cape Cod for the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council.

Expressions of sympathy or condolences can be sent to Local 2124 at P.O. Box 61, Harwich Port, MA 02646-0061