MINNETONKA FIRE DEPARTMENT

It is with great sadness that the Minnetonka Fire Department announces the Line of Duty Death of one of their own. Deputy Fire Marshal SHAWN JOHNSON, 61, passed away on Thursday, March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer.

Deputy Fire Marshal Johnson proudly served the Minnetonka Fire Department for 20 years as a paid-on-call member, a lieutenant, training captain, full-time fire inspector, and Deputy Fire Marshal.

All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Deputy Fire Marshal Johnson’s family and the celebration of his life at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet in Hopkins.

• There will not be a processional
• Due to parking limitations in downtown Hopkins departments are encouraged to carpool in smaller vehicles in lieu of apparatus. 
• Street parking is available and the Hopkins Municipal Parking Ramp is accessible from 10^th Ave S and 11^th Ave S.
• To access the parking ramp, enter downtown Hopkins from Excelsior Blvd. Mainstreet will be closed from 10^th Ave S to 13^th Ave S.

Deputy Fire Marshal Johnson also served Hennepin County and the state of Minnesota by teaching and testing new firefighters through the MN Fire Service Certification Board, serving on the Board of Directors of the MN Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and serving in various roles on the Hennepin County Fire Investigation Team. His depth of knowledge of firefighting and the fire code, dedication to safety, and thorough inspections and investigations will not be forgotten.

Shawn is survived by his loving family and many friends who feel extraordinarily blessed to have been a part of his life. He was a devoted Catholic, the world's best husband, an excellent brother, son, nephew and cousin, proud father and loving grandfather.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. The outpouring of support during this difficult time from our city and fire service partners shows and honors Shawn’s commitment to his service and his indelible mark on firefighting in Minnetonka and beyond. The Minnetonka Fire Department will carry his memory with us always.

The family has requested that memorials be sent to the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation, MNFIRE or Tunnels for Tower.