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Johns Creek dedicates station to fallen firefighter

The City of Johns Creek was just six months old in 2007 when Firefighter Felix M. Roberts was killed trying to rescue a resident trapped inside a burning home. This June 19th the city will dedicate its Fire Station 63 to Roberts in recognition of his supreme sacrifice and his exemplary commitment to protecting the lives, property and environment of the community.

"Felix Roberts' death should remind us never to take for granted the risks taken by our public safety responders every day on our behalf," said Mayor Mike Bodker. "He ran into a burning building that most of us would run out of. He knew the risks, and he did it anyway. He chose to stay in peril to try to save the life of another, and he did it at the expense of his own. Felix Roberts was a true portrait of courage, and the debt we owe can never be repaid."

At the time of his death, Roberts was a member of the Fulton County Fire Department, which served the community of Johns Creek for more than 30 years before it became a city. Roberts was the third Fulton County Firefighter to die in the line of duty.

"The courageous actions taken that day by Felix and his crew members were truly heroic. While en-route to the fire they were advised about the victim inside. Facing heavy smoke and fire conditions, they made entry – without hesitation – in a rescue attempt," said Johns Creek Fire Chief Joseph Daniels.

With Roberts that fateful night was his fellow Fulton County firefighter, Capt. Wayne Gilliard, who suffered third-degree burns trying to save his good friend.

"Captain Gilliard took incredible action dragging Roberts away from the flashover conditions within the house. Despite being burned and out-of-air, he would not leave Roberts until the crews were able to remove him from the building," said Daniels. "They're both true heroes."

Gilliard, the Roberts family, and longtime firefighters from across Metro Atlanta will join Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker, and City Council members Randall Johnson, Dan McCabe, Karen Richardson, Ivan Figueroa and Bev Miller for the dedication ceremony.

Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley, former Johns Creek Council member Liz Hausmann, Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few, and Sandy Springs Fire Chief Jack McElfish (Roberts worked part-time with Sandy Springs Fire) will also join the dedication.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony:

When:  Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m.
Where:  Johns Creek Fire Station 63, 3165 Old Alabama Road

Guests are encouraged to use the parking and shuttle service provided by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church at 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road, Johns Creek, due to limited parking at the fire station.