07/11/2026
If it seems odd for us to memorialize an actor, ask yourself if you know (even in passing) a firefighter, EMT, or paramedic. If you answer ‘yes’ to that question, then you should have a better understanding of why we mention the passing of Randolph Mantooth, also known as Johnny Gage from the TV series ‘Emergency!’.
That TV show was what started many in the fire/EMS world down their career path. Many of that same generation have retired or close to it, but a good percentage still remain active with our local departments and EMS services. Those same people are still passing on knowledge and experiences to the current generation. If not for the TV show ‘Emergency!’, who knows where we would be now. The show inspired an entire generation and showed the general public what firefighters faced in those times. It was the beginning of paramedicine, a concept that is widely known now but was certainly in its infancy in those days.
Thank you Johnny/Randolph for everything you did for us. May you rest in eternal peace.
