Cohnway Matthew Johnson

Fire Fighter/ EMT

Cohnway's Smile

      

               Uncle Cohnway & Sterling Michael Johnson


(near the Guadalupe River, New Braunfels, Tx. Summer 2008)

In 2016, Cohnway was honored by the Texas Bombers Fastpitch CTX04.  Above is the 2016 Central Texas team and Alina Salazar, daughter of Jesse Salazar who plays on the Belton FD softball team (see our Home page). Ironically Alina wears #21 and #21 was Cohnway's number in high school football.  Each year Bombers Fastpitch teams, in conjunction with 4 the Heroes Foundation, wear shirts honoring a fallen or wounded veteran, police officer or firefighter. 
Thank you to Trent Hernandez, with Belton FD, to Coach Jaime Castilla and to everyone who had a role in making this tribute to Cohway a reality.  And to those who contacted us about this tribute. 
Texas Bombers Fastpitch began in 2001 in Texas but has branched out to other states.  This program has expanded to include both youth teams and college teams. The Never Forgotten Jersey Awareness initiative was started by Bombers Fastpitch.  For more information about Bombers Fastpitch and their mission please visit their website: www.bombersfastpitch.net
The mission of the 4 the Heroes Foundation is to honor the brave men and women who protect our great Country and its freedoms.  Their commitment is to insure those who paid the ultimate price must never be forgotten and to assist those who have been wounded with their recovery.  For more information please visit their website: www.4theheroes.net


In October, 2009 (bottom of page), an oak  tree was planted in memory of Cohnway at the Oak Hill Fire Department, Station 1.  Since that day, his brothers at the station would say Cohnway was messing with all of them in regards to his tree.  At times the tree would lean to the side; they would straighten the tree, only to find it leaning again soon after.  His hijinks even from above, didn't surprise them.  Cohnway just kept messing with them until the poor tree could take no more, leading to its demise.  


In late February, 2013, this beautiful burr oak was planted in the same place.  OK Cohnway, leave this tree alone!!  Also the guys at the station have said they will show this tree less TLC than the first one.  That should take care of it, right?  Only time will tell, but we hope this tree will grow strong and tall and lovingly grace the front of the station for many, many years to come.   


We thank Captain Rusty Bergman for picking out this beautiful, healthy tree for us.  Thank you to everyone that played a part in the intial planning and design, digging out the first tree, planting the new tree and bringing to fruition the unique maltese cross and department emblem landscaping around the tree. 


Final additions beneath and around the new tree will be completed soon.  



****














This emblem appears on all Oak Hill Fire Department apparatus.  His Badge #375 was retired in 2009.  Thank you OHFD for this special honor.



On a crisp day in February 2011, Oak Hill Fire Department held a patio dedication in honor of Cohnway's love to grill and bar-be-que.  The patio was constructed at his station, Station 2, Barton Creek. We want to express our most heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone who worked so hard together to create this lasting pergola to honor the past, the present and future firefighters of Oak Hill.  


(Please view all photos from the dedication in our Photo Gallery)  

 ****























On Saturday, September 11, 2010 TCESD #12 dedicated their new fire station in Manor, Texas.  The station's new patio was dedicated to the memory of Cohnway on August 28, 2010.   We thank everyone with the Manor FD for honoring him in such a kind, thoughful and remarkable way.


 (Please view all photos from the dedication in our Photo Gallery)


On October 10, 2009, we all came together at the Oak Hill Fire Department Headquarters to plant a memorial tree in Cohnways name. It was kind of a gray day but a perfect day for what we were there for. We came together, family and friends, to plant a beautiful live oak (donated by Mark Biggs with Biggs Landscape and Irrigation ) in a place that we all know Cohnway loved. Thanks to every one that attended and all that helped coordinate this.


You can see more pictures under the Memorial Tree Planting tab in our Photo Gallery. Thanks to Mandy Bergman for loading those for us.