It was A Boyhood Dream to Become One of the Bravest, Now He Leads Them
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Mayor Steven M. Fulop, and Public Safety Director James Shea, joined top officials from the Jersey City Fire Department this morning to swear in new Fire Chief Jack Johnson during ceremonies at Council Chambers in City Hall.
Johnson, who most recently served as Deputy Chief in the department, took the oath of Office today from Mayor Fulop. A formal ceremony is expected in the future with full regalia.
"I feel like that little kid living my dream," Johnson said. "When I was 7-years old I met the Fire Chief at the time, John Mullins. And it was unbelievable meeting the chief, now I'm going to be chief. It's crazy."
Johnson distinguished himself as Special Operations Chief in charge of Rescue, Hazmat, Marine Division and as Group D Tour Commander. He along with several JCFD members responded to Ground Zero on 9-11 (2001) following the terrorist attack and spent several days during search and rescue operations. Also, Johnson was named Fire Officer of the Year in 2016 after rescuing two families in the Greenville section of the city from a burning fire.
"Chief Johnson is at his very core what Jersey City is all about. He's been in the trenches, he's battled tested and he's proven his ability to lead when things are tough," Mayor Fulop said. "I know he will lead the finest fire department in this state and region with exceptional class and distinction."
It's said, "the best ability is availability." This is something Johnson knows all too well after missing only two work days due to sickness in his 30-year career.
"I get excited. I can't wait to go to work the next day," Johnson said.