Walter's Perspective: Give Mourning Firefighters A New Contract
CHICAGO (CBS) – Time out tonight from politics.
What matters more, to me, anyway, is Herbie Johnson, Chicago Fire Capt. Herbie Johnson, on his way to heaven now to rest in peace.
After 32 years of so little rest, he has peace coming. It's his due, as it is due to his fellows. Capt. Johnson fought a fire to save lives, and it cost him his.
We owe his memory, and his fellows, some payback – and the respect of a new contract. They've been saving lives without a contract for four and a half months.
City Hall, skimping on a contract, aiming to take away the firefighter clothing allowance and holiday pay and physical fitness incentive. Don't do that, don't insult Capt. Johnson's memory. Think about him, feel for him.
Goodbye, captain. I'm said I didn't know you, didn't even have a chance to meet you. What I do know is that I love you.
