Officers in the state of Alabama bonded in their grief on Thursday evening as they escorted the body of slain Deputy Brad Johnson from UAB Hospital to the Legacy of Hope, Alabama’s Organ and Tissue Donation Alliances.
Johnson’s life was tragically cut short at 3:18 p.m. yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, a day after he and fellow deputy Christopher Poole were shot during a police pursuit in Bibb County, Alabama.
The 32-year-old Johnson, referred to as a hero by Gov. Kay Ivey, was moved yesterday evening from the hospital were he had been pronounced dead to the organ center, escorted by officers from around the state.
According to reports, dozens of his colleagues gathered at UAB Hospital to pay their respects. Johnson’s body will now remain at Legacy of Hope until his organs have been harvested, a process that the hospital said could take a number of days.
Known as an Honor Walk, the fallen deputy’s body was escorted by officers from across Alabama, as well as Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade and Johnson’s K9 Bodie.
Gov. Ivey said in her statement: “Today, all of Alabama grieves the loss of one of our heroes in blue, Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson. At only 32 years-old, he served in law enforcement for several years and was engaged to be married.
“He will be remembered as a hero.”
She added: “He will not only be called a hero for protecting his community, but also through his organ donations.
“Our entire state is praying for his family, his fiancé and fellow law enforcement officers.”
Michael Jackson, District Attorney, said Johnson and Poole, 30, were chasing 26-year-old suspect Austin Patrick Hall, who riding in a stolen vehicle before he got out and shot at the officers, striking both of them. As per reports, Hall is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history.
Speaking on the loss of Johnson, Bibb County Sheriff said: “I would like to ask all Alabamians to pause and reflect on the loss of Deputy Brad Johnson and to pray for his family. Deputy Johnson will continue to save lives through organ donations.”
Deputy Poole, meanwhile, is said to have been released from hospital on Wednesday night and is now recovering at home.
Sources say Hall has been arrested on at least 46 charges since turning 17. He is now charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of attempted murder, and is being held without bond at Shelby County Jail.
“It’s been said that a coward dies a thousand deaths, but a hero but one,’’ Sheriff Wade commented on Thursday. “Brad Johnson was a hero.”
Johnson’s father lamented the loss of his son in a heartfelt Facebook post that read:
“This is the toughest thing I have had to do. This is the son that called me just a few hours before hand to ask me to help him find a good place for a beach trip. A son that loved playing the guitar, fishing, riding four-wheelers, and so much more. This is not the way your day is supposed to end. Blue line forever.”
Rest in peace, Deputy Johnson, and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Please, join us in sending prayers where they’re needed at this difficult time, and in wishing Deputy Poole a swift recovery.
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