Paul Johnson, Retired NYPD Officer, Dies Of 9/11 Related Illness

LINDENHURST, NY - Paul Johnson, a retired NYPD officer and first responder, died of a 9/11 related illness on Saturday night.

Johnson was the former captain of Hook and Ladder Engine Co. 3 and member of the Piston Knocker, a drill team based in North Lindenhurst.

"For those of you that knew Paul, he was a character but a true gentleman who would be there for anyone who needed help," the team wrote in a post on their Facebook page. "He constantly said that these were the cards that he was dealt and he would play the hand again if called on to do so. He was the consummate professional who loved his job and the friends who he surrounded himself with. He will be sorely missed."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been released.

In a video posted on YouTube in 2015, Johnson describes his time working in the NYPD until his retirement in 2013.

He retired after he was injured by a cinder block and had to undergo several knee surgeries.

He also described how he was diagnosed with bronchial tracheal malacia, a rare disease which causes the airway to become narrow or collapse.

Watch the full video below:

Image: Facebook.com/Piston Knockers