HONORING A FALLEN FIREFIGHTER: Christian Johnson's Memorial Service
An Oct. 24 memorial service honors Okanogan Assistant Chief Christian Johnson, who died Oct. 2 from injuries sustained in the Sept. 1 Spring Coulee Fire. First responders from around the state joined local residents in paying tribute to him.
A limousine carrying family members passes under an arch formed by ladder trucks from Omak (left) and the Colville Confederated Tribes. An Okanogan fire truck and LifeLine Ambulance vehicle follow.
A bagpiper leads the procession onto the Okanogan County Fairgrounds. The first vehicle is Okanogan Fire Department’s vintage truck No. 2, also known as 46.
Wildland firefighters lower the gigantic flag, making sure it doesn’t touch the ground.
More than six dozen emergency vehicles from dozens of agencies statewide are parked at the fairgrounds.
Firefighters and law officials salute as Christian Johnson's ashes are brought to the front of the AgriPlex.
A multi-agency color guard, including Gene Davis of the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and retired deputy Dave Rodriguez (both in brown uniforms) presented and retired flags.
Uniformed mourners salute. In back is Christian Johnson's fire turnout gear.
Okanogan Fire Department firefighter and chaplain Chris Warren speaks to mourners.
Audience salutes presentation of Christian Johnson's memorial to the front of the AgriPlex.
Craig Attwood (right), Tonasket, returns to his seat after providing a memento for Johnson’s wife, Pam. Other veterans wait their turns to pay respects.
The color guard retreats after posting the colors at the ceremony’s start. Johnson’s firefighting turnout coat and helmet are at the left of the stage.
The ashes casket is removed from the Agriplex.
People could leave messages for Johnson’s family on themed cards.
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