The Oak Hill Fire Dept. mourns Johnson

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Oak Hill Fire Department lost their brother Firefighter Cohnway Johnson on May 4 at the young age of 26. The sudden death of Johnson came just 5 days after he collapsed in Houston during training. The loss of a seemingly healthy man has come as a shock to all of those who knew him.

Johnson dedicated three years of service to the local Oak Hill Fire Department and over the years formed many bonds with his fellow firefighters. Recently he submitted his resignation to the fire department which allowed him to begin training for the Houston Fire Department. According to Milissa Warren, the public information officer with the Pak Hill FD, Cohnway was on vacation when he began his training in Houston.

On the morning of April 29, the HFD was holding a cadet training session which included a four mile run. Cohnway completed the race before all of the other cadets when he suddenly collapsed. The cadet was in rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston in critical condition. He was stabilized within ICU and was able to accept visitors, including some close friends from the Oak Hill Fire Department. The fire department described Johnson’s behavior as typical with him jokingly interacting with others and holding vibrant conversations. His condition was improving when his health took a turn for the worst last Monday. Cohnway Johnson passed away in Memorial Hermann Hospital on the evening of Monday, May 4. The cause of Johnson’s death is still unknown.

Cohnway Johnson was able to accomplish many things during his 26 years including touching the lives of friends family and colleagues. Described as a great friend and firefighter, Cohnway Johnson will be honored by those closest to him on Saturday evening in Austin (more details below). His brothers at the Oak Hill Fire Department hold fond memories of a man who could always make everyone laugh and was one of the most hard-working men in the Department. Joining the Department in 2006, Cohnway took every opportunity to grow professionally, achieving certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for Intermediate Fire Fighter, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Haz-Mat Tech, and Driver Operator.

The memorial service will take place Saturday, May 09, 2009. Services will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Cook Walden Funeral Home located at 14501 North IH-35. The family of Cohnway Johnson will receive friends and visitors at Travis County ESD #2 – Pflugerville Fire Department Education Building, 2nd floor located at 203-B East Pecan Street in Pflugerville immediately following the funeral.