A longtime member of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department who died April 14 is being remembered for the legacy of service he left behind.

Dennis A. Johnson, 75, of Greensburg, was posthumously recognized with the “Commemorative Axe” Humanitarian of the Year Award during the fire department’s recent 65th annual banquet.

Johnson served for 58 years with the department’s Hose Company No. 8, displaying skills that he never failed to share as a volunteer firefighter.

He was retired from Hutchinson and Gunter, a Hempfield business specializing in sheet metal fabricating, welding and duct work operated by the family of the late Ed Hutchinson, Greensburg’s former fire chief.

“Denny was a man who could do just about anything,” noted current fire Chief Tom Bell. That included electrical and metal work, carpentry and masonry. Projects he worked on included fire station additions and a Mutual Aid Ambulance Service heliport.

Johnson was a key man behind the scenes of the summer carnivals that once were a tradition at Hose Company No. 8.

“He did 90% of the work for carnival week, setting the stuff up,” said David Jackson, the company captain. “He would be here at six o’clock at night and he wouldn’t leave until midnight, until the work was done.”

“He had a smile on his face and was always happy to help, no matter what the job was,” Bell said.

Johnson’s impact was felt beyond the fire department, as he contributed his skills to a number of community facilities.

“He had a lot to do with building and installing electricity in the additions they put on at the Aerobics Center at Lynch Field,” Bell said.

An Air Force veteran, Johnson was a regular participant at the aerobics center.

“He showed respect no matter who it was and enjoyed life every moment of every day, knowing it would not be forever,” Bell added.

The department’s humanitarian award is made possible through a gift from the family of the late Leo M. Bacha, who completed many years of service as president of the department’s board of control and as the Westmoreland County Coroner.

Other deceased Greensburg firefighters who were remembered at the banquet and memorial service include: Edward J. Haines, 73, of Hannastown, who served for 52 years at Hose Company No. 7; William F. Eicher, 78, of Greensburg, who served for 60 years at Hose Company No. 3; and bloodhound “Eddie,” who died Feb. 28 at age 8.

Firefighter of the Year Awards were presented to: Brian Turpin of Company No. 1; Bud Mertz, Company No. 2; Josh Dispennett, Company No. 3; Daniel Bell, Company No. 6; Fred Silvis, Company No. 7; and Karl Eisaman, Company No. 8.

Colten Houser was named Junior Firefighter of the Year. Junior firefighters ages 14-17 train as firefighters and become active members of the department when they turn 18.

Michael Answine of Hose Company No. 1 and Robert W. Jones of Hose Company No. 3 were recognized for completing 25 years of service with the department.

Lawrence Weimer and Fred Silvis of Hose Company No. 7 and Gary P. Romagnoli and Mark J. Merriman of Hose Company No. 8 completed 50 years of service.

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