During his 52 years with the McLean and Great Falls volunteer fire departments, Homer Johns has told firefighters and emergency medical personnel under his charge that their responsibilities are to their families, jobs and volunteering – in that order.
“To me, family always comes first,” said Johns, 87. “Without work, you’re not going to be good with your family. To be a firefighter, you have to be crazy anyhow. But to be a volunteer, you’re doubly crazy because you’re doing it for free.”
Those fire stations, along with local elected officials, are honoring Johns as he prepares to step down at month’s end. Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D) has declared Feb. 13 “Homer Johns Day” in Fairfax County.