‘I feel like Superman’

When Robert Johnson pulled several people from a burning vehicle his natural instinct was to extend a hand to fellow human beings who were in serious danger and needed help. But, as he looks back at the terrifying ordeal more than a year later, Johnson admits that he sometimes can’t help but feel like Superman, the fictional comic book hero with god-like powers. Last Thursday, Johnson’s name was included on this year’s national honours and awards list as one of four Jamaicans selected to receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry.

It’s a joy when I think about what I did. I feel so proud,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “I never knew it would come to me, and I really feel excellent.

This thing is not a normal thing that I’m gonna get. It’s a very special moment of my life. I get to meet a lot of people; I get to shake their hands, and it’s just gonna be so much love.

It’s unbelievable what is coming to me. A lot of people would like this moment I am going to get so I feel special and loved. The national award is presented to civilians who demonstrate great courage, heroism, or bravery in circumstances of extreme danger.

Johnson will officially receive his insignia from the governor general at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards on National Heroes’ Day in October. Johnson said, however, that the recognition is secondary to the lives he was able to save. The Allman Town resident said he was on his way home on February 16 last year when he noticed a vehicle engulfed in flames.

As several people stood nearby recording the incident he got out of the vehicle in which he was travelling to find out what was happening. It was then that he realised people were trapped inside the burning vehicle. Without hesitation, Johnson moved towards it in an attempt to help.