This Mother’s Day, the IAFF is celebrating mothers that have inspired the generations that follow.
Retired Corpus Christi, TX Local 936 Fire Fighter/Paramedic Deborah Johnson, who retired in 2006, was one of the few Black female fire fighters in the 1970s and the first in her area, according to a news report.
“I initially worked as a secretary,” said Deborah. “One day, a colleague whose husband was a fire fighter told me about job openings at the fire department. I asked him about the job requirements, and the rest is history.”
Her son, Dwight Johnson, a Local 936 fire fighter/paramedic, fire inspector, and fire investigator, followed her into the profession, retiring just weeks ago after more than three decades of service.
I was grateful for the opportunity to mentor and guide Dwight throughout his career, and I was proud of his accomplishments, and when he became fire inspector, that was a real proud moment.
retired local 936 fire fighter/paramedic deborah johnson
Dwight says the firehouse was a second home growing up. “Growing up around fire stations, I knew early on I wanted to be a fire fighter. My mother’s experience in the fire service also influenced me.”
They worked together for years on different shifts at the same station.
“She always supported me in my career,” said Dwight. “She taught me how to face challenges head-on, work hard, and never make excuses.”
Deborah says her firefighting career is a defining part of her life.
“It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to prove myself,” said Deborah. “I was grateful for the opportunity to mentor and guide Dwight throughout his career, and I was proud of his accomplishments, and when he became fire inspector, that was a real proud moment.”
Now that they’re both retired, Dwight says this Mother’s Day, he’s holding on to the lessons taught by his mother in the fire station and at home.
“My mom has always been a huge inspiration. When things get tough, she just says, ‘You have to face it head-on and put in the hard work to get through it.’ There are no excuses with her,” said Dwight. “She taught us to handle business and push through, no matter how challenging things get. No one’s going to hand you anything. You’ve got to earn it.”
