Memorial Fund Established for Fallen Chicago Fire Captain Herbert "Herbie" Johnson

CHICAGO, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BMO Harris Bank, in partnership with the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees', Widows' & Children's Assistance Fund and Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, today announced the establishment of a memorial fund to benefit the family of Herbert "Herbie" Johnson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in a tragic incident battling a fire in Chicago. 

"Captain Johnson made Chicago a safer place - his bravery was known far and wide," said Mark Furlong, President and CEO, BMO Harris Bank.  "We are deeply saddened by this loss, and my colleagues and I are proud to open a bank account in his honor. We encourage people to visit a local BMO Harris branch and make a donation, and BMO Harris is committing $10,000 in his honor."

"Chicago lost a very courageous man. The City has come together to honor Herbie's life and to be there for his family, and for this, the department is extremely grateful," said Tony Martin, Lieutenant, Chicago Fire Department. "We're also grateful to BMO Harris Bank for their generosity and kindness in establishing this memorial fund and their financial contribution."

All BMO Harris locations are currently accepting cash or check donations from customers or the general public, with donations going towards supporting Herbie's family. Checks can be made payable to the Herbert "Herbie" Johnson Memorial Fund.  The Account number for the fund is 4811970462.

Donations can also be made online at www.widowsandchildren.org. Donation acknowledgement forms will be generated for all contributions of $250 or more in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service guidelines. Individuals needing tax receipts will be required to use a check.

Donations can also be made via mail to:

BMO Harris Bank - Community Affairs Department

111 W. Monroe

Chicago, IL 60603

The account is being established through the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees', Widows' and Children's Assistance Fund: An IRS established (501c3) charitable organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance to the neediest widows and children of Chicago firefighters and paramedics.

About BMO Harris Bank 
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank ^SM is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank