Hero Of Norristown Fire To Be Honored At Council Meeting

NORRISTOWN, PA — The 70-year-old ex-U.S. Marine who kicked down the door of a burning Norristown home to rescue a neighbor will be recognized this week.

"Jimmy 'Cowboy' Johnson will be honored with a Heroism Commendation from Norristown FD" at the council meeting Tuesday night, municipal officials said. "Words can't describe how heroic Jimmy's action was."

With the help of some young kids who happened to be nearby, Johnson helped evacuate the home, and then ran up the steps himself to find the man who was trapped, according to the fire department.

The man was on fire when Johnson found him, and after he carried him outside, others helped him use a blanket to put the flames out, according to officials.

Firefighters arrived on the scene to battle back the blaze, and the victim was taken to a trauma center in Philadelphia to be treated.

"The modest Mr. Johnson, Marine Corps Veteran, said it was just instinct that kicked in and he did what he had to do," the Norristown Fire Department said, in describing the incident. "He thanked Plymouth Community Ambulance and all the firefighters for taking care of him and making sure he was ok."

"One of the many, MANY great residents of Norristown right here," the municipality said in noting the incident. "Thank you so much."