”Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do” We are honored to sit down with recently retired DFD Lt John Hampton as he wrapped up an amazing 25 year career. Growing up in Maryland, the son of a fireman, Lt Hampton knew he would go into a life of service as he entered the Army and joined the historic 82nd ABN. After seeing combat action and developing his unique, hard nosed leadership style he decided it was time to answer his calling by joining the Dallas Fire Department. Johnny was literally thrown into the fire as he joined one of the busiest stations in South Dallas, Station 44 off Lagow. Johnny is very candid in telling the story of his life and career and we are honored he trusted us at the caretaker of his journey. On July 21st, 2024, Lt Hampton entered Station 11 like any other morning and made a last minute decision to ride the engine to a structure fire call near downtown Dallas. The light rain coated the roadways, causing the rig’s tail to begin to swerve and the entire engine collided with the short wall went over several feet below onto the train tracks. The race began to save LT Hampton from the wreckage as he was pinned for 45 minutes as he teammates and firefighting family worked. This is the story of the life and career of an amazing man, leader, husband, father, and servant. Thank you, Lt John Hampton, for your service to the country and to the city of Dallas.