FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The family of Lt. Kevin Johns was in the front row as the Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo honored the longtime firefighter on Thursday.
Johns, a 28-year-veteran firefighter, was killed in an accident while changing a flat tire on Interstate 95 on Tuesday.
A video played, showing pictures of Johns with his fellow firefighters as well as his family. Bagpipes played their farewell and a chaplain said a prayer for peace for Johns' family, and protection for all firefighters in the line of duty. Expo organizers became emotional while talking about Johns' contributions to their lives.
The Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo is dedicating this year's event to Johns. Organizers say Johns was instrumental in planning the fire expo, concentrating on the training aspects. Those in attendance pledge to train as hard as ever in Johns' honor. The expo runs until Saturday.
After the ceremony, Johns' family gathered outside around one of the fire trucks from his station 13. His wife, children and grandchildren were surrounded by other firefighters offering support.
Johns' funeral is scheduled for next Tuesday. It will be a full firefighter funeral service. The public is invited to attend. The funeral will be held at Sanctuary Church at 1400 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. It is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
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