GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS —A former firefighter returned to a historic Grand Prairie fire station on Thursday to celebrate a major milestone—his 95th birthday.
Bob Johnson, the oldest living retiree of the Grand Prairie Fire Department, marked the occasion at FireHouse Gastro Park, a restaurant that now occupies the city’s former Fire Station No. 1. The building served as an active firehouse from 1949 to 2014 and was Johnson’s primary post for much of his 31-year career.
Johnson joined the fire department in 1955 and rose through the ranks to become a captain and later fire marshal. He spent approximately 25 years working out of the station where his birthday was celebrated.
“This is the same floor I mopped a thousand times,” Johnson said during the event, recalling his years of service. “I spent about 25 years in this station.”
Arriving in an antique fire truck and wearing his original captain’s cap, Johnson was greeted by family, friends, and former colleagues. The venue displayed photographs and memorabilia documenting his time with the department.
His son, Brent Johnson, now 72, reflected on the changes in firefighting over the years and his father’s longevity. “Back when he first came on, there were no oxygen masks, no smoke kits,” he said. “It’s remarkable he’s made it to this age.”
The celebration included tributes from fellow retirees, many of whom worked alongside Johnson during his time on the force. Johnson remains active, according to family members, still mowing his own lawn and maintaining a steady routine.
The gathering at the former fire station was both a personal celebration and a reflection on decades of public service. Johnson’s family said he hopes to return to the same location for his 100th birthday.