Watch CBS News

Ft. Lauderdale Firefighter Struck, Killed On I-95

BOCA RATON (CBSMiami) - A Ft. Lauderdale firefighter died after he was struck by a car on I-95.

Lt. Kevin Johns, 48, was on his way to work around 7 a.m. when he got a flat tire in the southbound lanes of the highway near I-95 near Yamato Road. When he got out to change it, he was struck by Hyundai Sonata driven by Lorenza Simmons.

"This is crazy. It's a nightmare," said Simmons as she stood on the side of I-95, "This is a nightmare."

Simmons was reportedly trying to avoid hitting a Toyota RAV4 which had slowed for traffic. She struck the rear of the SUV, ran off the road onto the shoulder and hit Johns.

"I ran out of my car and I called 911," she said. "I checked on him. I made sure he was breathing."
Simmons said she also spoke to him, trying to keep him alert.

Watch Carey Codd's Report

"He was trying to make sounds to talk to me," she said."I called 911 and told them what happened and tried to get someone here as soon as possible."

Deputy Fire Chief Bob Simac said Johns was 28 year veteran with the department who was a very accomplished and decorated firefighter.

Johns was taken to the Delray Medical Center where he was rushed into surgery.

Nearly three dozen fellow firefighters went to the hospital after they heard what had happened.

"It was a true concern, a true concern, a love for their brother that was injured and they are all praying at this time," said Boca Raton Assistant Fire Chief Michael LaSalle, a spokesman for the injured man's family. "The surrounding departments are showing a large amount of support for the fire service in general."

Johns was pronounced dead just after 1 p.m.

Firefighter John Bourgeouis said he worked with Johns' occasionally and learned much from him.

"Very confident," he said about Johns. "Knew what to do, it seemed like. Had an answer for everything and a plan for everything."

Sources said Johns planned to retire in six months.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Robert Hoecherl released a statement on Tuesday about Johns saying, "Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is deeply saddened by the loss of Fire Lieutenant Kevin Johns. Kevin served the citizens of Ft. Lauderdale for over 28 years and saved countless lives during that time. Kevin will be dearly missed by his fire department and city family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin's wife Brenda and three children. Fort Lauderdale Fire wishes to thank all those in the community for the outpouring of support and kind words. We also would like to thank all our fire department brothers and sisters for being there for Kevin's family and for being there for the members of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue." 

RELATED CONTENT:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.