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November
27, 2002 |
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MTA Bus Operator Establishes a Memorial Fund for Conrad Johnson, One of Washington-Area Sniper Victims
A MTA bus operator has
established a memorial fund in memory of Maryland bus operator Conrad
Johnson, one of the 10 victims killed by the Washington-area sniper during
September and October, 2002. Johnson, 35 years-old, was standing in the door of his bus Oct. 22, when he was gunned down by the snipers in Maryland. MTA bus operators
took the tragedy personal, especially Florence Henry, an MTA bus operator
with over 20 years of seniority. “As a bus operator I felt the pain, it
was very personal,” say Henry, who began a campaign to collect donation
for the Johnson family. “My
concern was for Mr. Johnson, but at the same time for his family,”
explained Henry, who immediately worked to established a memorial fund
that will benefit his widow and sons this holiday season. Johnson
leaves a wife and two sons, ages 15 and 8. His employer, Ride on Transit,
says he was friendly, dependable and dedicated bus operator who will be
greatly missed by his coworkers. A
neighbor described Johnson as a fervent football fan, weightlifter and
“real family man. He loved his boys. He was always taking care of them.
Doing things for them.” The
campaign has consumed a lot of time for Henry, but she’s proud of the
project. “I had received a lot of support and help from my boss Joe
Brown, Assistant Transportation Manager, who was behind the project from
the very beginning.” Employees
or the general public can make contributions to the fund at the Northrum
Grumman Federal Credit Union office, located on the Plaza Level of the MTA
Headquarters (One Gateway Plaza, 90012) in downtown Los Angeles. Florence Henry is planning to present the money to the family before Christmas. She also is working to in bringing the family to Disneyland for a weekend. MTA-109 EDITOR'S NOTE: For
interviews with Florence Henry, please contact José Ubaldo/MTA Media
Relations at (213) 506-4037 pager.
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