Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
An ‘act of valor and heroism’
Johnson receives proclamation following efforts to save man from burning building last month
A 70-yearold Norristown man was recognized by local leaders Tuesday night for his valiant efforts saving someone from a burning building last month.
“I couldn’t leave a person sit back and burn. I couldn’t do that. It wasn’t my heart,” said Norristown resident James “Cowboy” Johnson. “When it was time to move, it was time to move. I reacted real fast and I thought real fast.”
Members of the Norristown Municipal Council and the Norristown Fire Department commended Johnson for his “act of valor and heroism when under a hazardous condition” as he “placed himself in a life-threatening position to save the life of another.”
During the Tuesday night virtual meeting, Norristown Municipal Council President Derrick Perry read a proclamation formally acknowledging Johnson’s bravery. Fire Chief Thomas O’Donnell was with Johnson and handed him the commendation at a local fire station.
The recognition stems from a fire on March 15 at an apartment building located at 1017 Swede St. in Norristown. In an interview following the incident, O’Donnell said there was smoke visible from the building’s second floor as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.
He said there was an additional report of a person trapped inside. Johnson “entered the building along with another unidentified male and forced open the door of a second floor apartment and encountered a male occupant who was in distress and on fire.”
Johnson helped to extricate the man from the building and remained with him until emergency medical services personnel were able to transport him to Penn Presbyterian Trauma Center in Philadelphia, according to O’Donnell, who added that Johnson was also checked out by paramedics at the scene.
“Mr. James Johnson acted swiftly and with courage during this incident,” the proclamation states. “Mr. Johnson, without hesitation entered a rapidly spreading dwelling fire and removed a trapped and critically injured resident from the second floor to safety.”
O’Donnell also gave Johnson a card from the family of the fire victim, as well as a check for $1,500, according to a municipal spokesperson.
State Rep. Matt Bradford D-70th dist. was also present during the Tuesday night virtual council meeting as he offered a proclamation and his own remarks to Johnson.
“I just wanted you to know how unbelievably proud of you we are,” Bradford said. “Obviously in a time in which we need a lot of heroes, it’s good to see an old fashioned, red blooded hero in our midst.”
“But just know what you did is truly the best of humanity, and the best of Norristown, and we’re just lucky to have you as part of our community, and I just wanted you to know that on behalf of the commonwealth — thank you,” he continued. “You’re a true hero and you’re being recognized rightfully as such.
“Thank you very, very much from the bottom of my heart for this honor,” Johnson replied.
When reflecting on the events of last month, Johnson relied on values of “honor,” “courage” and “commitment” that he learned while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
“I honor myself through God,” he said. “It took a lot of courage, [I] did what I had to do and I committed myself. Thank the almighty God for protecting me and the rest of them in the home.”
Johnson extended his gratitude to the municipality’s first responders, elected officials and “two other young men that helped me” that fateful day.
“We’re all going through ups and downs,” Johnson said. “We’re all going through trials and tribulations through this pandemic … but a life was not taken at the time, and thank you all for honoring me tonight, and may God bless each one of you and thank you.”
“Thank you for being a blessing to us. Thank you. We appreciate you,” Perry said.
“You’re quite welcome,” Johnson replied.