MISSOURI FIRE CHIEF/POLICE OFFICER LODD-RESPONDING CRASH-EJECTED

The Secret List

We regret to advise you that Alton Fire Chief Eddie Johnson Jr., 45, was responding to a house fire six miles west of Alton when he lost control, went off the left side of the highway, hit a driveway approach, and rolled his vehicle several times. He was ejected from the vehicle and killed in the Line of Duty. He was also an Alton Police Officer.

The crash was on U.S. 160 about five miles west of Alton. An ambulance took the Chief to the hospital in West Plains but he did not survive. State troopers suspect Chief Johnson was not wearing his safety belt.

The Alton Fire Department was responding with other area fire departments to a house fire at an area known locally as Royal Oak. The fire destroyed the home.

Besides being a full-time police officer and volunteer fire chief, Johnson also was an Oregon County reserve sheriff's deputy. He'd been fire chief since 2010 and worked in the Alton Police Department for nine years. His wife and three children survive him.

We'll post more details as they become available. Our condolences to all affected. RIP.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.

BillyG

The Secret List 10-20-2014-2233 hrs