Arkansas Stories

Johnny Reep, Little Rock

JOHNNY REEP
(Nomination by Jackie Warren)
Little Rock Capitol Rotunda
September 1, 2010

Thirty year veteran Retired Little Rock Fire Department Captain Johnny Reep is my idea of a hero.  He has worked seven days a week for 25 years to see the Arkansas Fallen firefighters’ Memorial built to honor our fallen firefighter heroes in Arkansas.  As the chairman, he travels the state fundraising and working with families and departments for the fallen.  Immediately after 9/11 the IAFF local 34 started fundraising to send money to firefighters and their families in need at the FDNY.  From then I knew Johnny was someone I wanted to volunteer with and honor the sacrifice of those public servants.  When a firefighter is killed, Johnny is there for the families and the departments to assist with paperwork, support, and whatever they need.  Johnny retired from firefighting a few years ago and took a job in the fire extinguisher business.  He has worked tirelessly to honor these men and woman and their families.  Once a firefighter always a firefighter.  He has never met a stranger and a fire station is always home.  I think this would be a great honor and I hope you will consider his name for the project.