David Edward Alan Johnson

On September 10th, 2021, Commander and Team Leader for PA-1 DMAT and Deputy Coordinator for Allegheny County Emergency Services David Edward Alan “DJ” Johnson passed away due to 9/11 related illness.

Johnson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was raised in Wilkins Township. At the age of 16, Johnson became a volunteer firefighter alongside his father and grandfather, sparking his lifelong devotion to serving the community. Johnson joined the fire department full time in the mid-1970’s and became a certified paramedic in 1981. Throughout his extensive career as a first responder, Johnson  became certified in and also instructed all other areas of emergency services. 

At the time of his passing, Johnson was a Professor at Missouri State University, in Springfield, Missouri. Johnson is remembered as a humble servant to his community with a profound love for helping others. 

Johnson is survived by his wife, Darla; their four children, Jessica, Justin, Abigayle and Erika; daughter-in-law, Kim; son-in-law, Joshua; grandsons, Mason and Caleb; mother and father-in-law, Eileen and Stanley; sisters, Dana and Diane; sister-in-law, Renee; brothers-in-law, Curt and Chuck; nephews, Edd, Henry, Chuck, Joshua and Joseph; and niece, Amelia.