Johnny G. "The Greek" Economedes
�����Johnny G. Economedes was born on November 14, 1932 in the city of Brownsville, Texas. He graduated in McHi's class of '51. He then graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a bachelor of arts degree in Physical Education. Mr. Economedes served in the United States Army during the time of the Korean War. After returning form war, Economedes served as the director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Edinburg from 1957 to 1972. During this time he was also Edinburg's swimming instructor. In 1955, Economedes joined the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department. After years of volunteering, he was promoted to volunteer chief and served this position form 1977 to 1982. He then became the first paid Fire Chief for the City of Edinburg. He kept this position until his death at the age of 65.�����Economedes was a distinguished gentleman and was respected by locals and nationally recognized for his many accomplishments and appreciated leadership in the community of Edinburg. Economedes was honored by Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullocks for his role as a loyal fire chief. He was nationally recognized for his efforts during the Amigo Store Roof Collapse in Brownsville.
�����Economedes had served as president of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and was co-chairman of the Edinburg Economic Development Board. He was also chairman of the Hidalgo County 911 Board and served on the Texas A&M University Fire School Advisory Board; he also served as the City of Edinburg Emergency Management Disaster Plan.
�����Economedes was a man of strength, sincerity , and generosity who gave unselfishly of himself to others and his knowledge, compassion, and valued counsel will never be forgotten by those who knew him.