In this image provided by the U.S. Holocaust Museum, museum guard Stephen T. Johns, is seen. Johns was killed Wednesday, June 10, 2009, in Washington, when an elderly gunman opened fire at the museum. (AP Photo/U.S. Holocaust Museum)

Stephen T. “Big John” Johns joins the long line of men and women who have given up their lives for others. Washington Post suggests he didn’t have time to react before he was shot by a deranged, hatemongering killer. Two fellow security guards opened fired and took down the gunman. The guards’ union had been pushing contractor Wackenhut for body armor. Sounds like, given the times we live in, any facility considered sensitive enough to merit armed guards should correct that deficiency.

clipped from: www.washingtonpost.com

Grief, Shock After a 'Gentle Giant' Loses His Life in the Line of Duty

"Immediately upon entering the front doors of the museum, he raised the rifle and started shooting," D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said of von Brunn, 88, adding that he "was engaged by security guards, and there was an exchange of gunfire."

The only casualty among the guards was Johns, who lived in Prince George's County. At least one bullet from a small-caliber rifle hit Johns in his upper-left torso