W hen FDNY Station 16 Haz-Tac Paramedic Chauncey “CJ” Johnson took the oath as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1988, he made history in his family by becoming a second generation EMS member. His father, the late Lieutenant L.W. Johnson, served in our EMS for 34 years and he always made an effort to educate Johnson about the different ways our members save lives throughout the most populous city in the country.
“My father was such an influence in my life and he introduced me to EMS and he always told me it’s better to give than receive and that’s really part of what makes my career so special. Growing up in Castle Hill, my father brought home equipment like his slings, ice packs and his stethoscope to help teach me about his career, so I’ve been learning about how important working in EMS is since I was a kid,” Johnson explained. “If I had to do this all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing because helping people in this way is really important to me.”
As a veteran FDNY member, Johnson also noted that his training is a cut above the rest and that’s one reason why he is proud to represent the largest EMS in the world each day.
“My career is great because you get so many different life experiences, you meet so many different people and you never know what’s going to happen when you’re out helping the public, but you’re prepared for it,” he added. “The FDNY trains us to the highest level and our training is in-depth and second to none and that’s also why this is such a fabulous career.”
As we celebrate Black History Month, join us today in giving a tip of the helmet to Chief of EMS Operations Michael Fields, center, and, from left, Deputy Chief Kahlia Graham, Deputy Chief Arlene Simmons, Deputy Chief Mario Thompkins, Deputy Chief Horace Williams, Division Chief Cheryl Middleton, Division Chief Tonya Boyd, Deputy Chief Telina Lloyd, Deputy Chief Leonard Wright, Deputy Chief Terrance Middleton, Deputy Chief Renae Mascol and Deputy Chief Laitrice Edwards.
