Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility'Brad Johnson was a hero': Bibb County deputy dies after being shot in line of duty | WBMA
Close Alert

'Brad Johnson was a hero': Bibb County deputy dies after being shot in line of duty


Bibb County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Johnson died Thursday after being shot during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. (abc3340.com)
Bibb County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Johnson died Thursday after being shot during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. (abc3340.com)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon
Comment bubble
0

Bibb County Sheriff's deputy Brad Johnson died Thursday at 3:18 p.m., according to District Attorney Michael Jackson. Johnson was one of two deputies shot Wednesday during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle near County Road 25.

During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade identified two deputies who were shot as Johnson and Investigator Chris Poole.

READ MORE: Man wanted in connection to shooting of two deputies in Bibb County captured

Sheriff Wade said Deputy Poole was released from the hospital and is recovering, but Deputy Johnson was still hospitalized and "goes through the final processes to continue to save lives.” Johnson is expected to be an organ donor.

"It has been said a coward dies a thousand deaths, but a hero, but one. Brad Johnson was a hero," said Sheriff Wade.

Johnson has been in law enforcement since 2013 and became a K-9 handler in 2017. His partner is named Bodie, according to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office website. Johnson previously worked as a firefighter with the Lakeview Fire Protection District.

Members of law enforcement, hospital workers and other members of the community lined the hallways of UAB Hospital Thursday evening as Johnson's body was moved through the hospital. You can see that video on the Bibb County Sheriff's Department Facebook page.

Johnson's public service started at an early age. He was 14 years old when he went through a program with the Boy Scouts at Lakeview Fire.

"Into adulthood, he became one of my lieutenants while I was chief there at Lakeview. He would do anything for anybody. One of those guys who would take his shirt off his back, kind of deal. He was that person," said Brandon Jones, President of the Board of Directors at the Lakeview Fire District. "He ran more on the volunteer side...every time that tone went off you could pretty much count that Brad would be there in some form or fashion."

Jones was in disbelief when he heard Johnson was one of the deputies involved in Wednesday's shooting.

"He was always real protective of his coworkers in Bibb county. He'd always tell me, that's the brotherhood--the thin blue line," said Jones. "Of course with the fire department, the thin red line. He was definitely faithful to his coworkers on both sides of the fence."

Jones shared this memory with ABC 33/40.

"His brother, his younger brother was in the fire department with us too when he was able to do the explorer program. I said, 'yeah I wish I had some brothers or sisters myself to enjoy these things with.' Brad looked at me and said, well I'll be your brother. I looked at him and said 'that's a promise' and we kept it."

Deputy Johnson had a servant's heart.

"It was in his blood and in his heart to help people," said Jones.

Johnson and Jones continued to keep in touch after Johnson went to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office in 2013. Jones said he still saw Johnson at work on mutual aid calls. Johnson's father, Steve, is currently on the Board of Directors for the Lakeview Fire District.

Not only was Johnson committed to his job, but he was also committed to his community--taking the time to visit and teach people about his and his canine partner's work.

Pastor Mark Lovett said Johnson recently made a stop at Pineview Baptist Church.

"He was doing a demonstration with his dog, interacting with our children. They really enjoyed it. You could tell he loved what he does. He loves kids and he loves being a part of the community," said Lovett.

Lovett asked if a broken system could be what led to Johnson's death.

"Sometimes we wonder, how the system fails like it does. If the system worked, then maybe this could have been avoided. These guys are out here protecting our community. They try to bring criminals to justice. They bring them in, and somehow the justice system fails and they go back out on the streets and a tragedy happens. That's the sad part about it."

Lovett said they will continue to pray for both Johnson's family and Investigator Poole, as well as Austin Hall's family.

"God loves us all. We are created in his image. His son died for us all. So, our hearts even go out to that family," said Lovett.

The shootings initiated an overnight manhunt for a suspect, identified as Austin Patrick Hall. That suspect was taken into custody Thursday morning.

In 2019, Johnson was involved in an incident during a traffic stop after which he was sent to the hospital for injuries.

Gov. Kay Ivey released a statement on social media after the news of Johnson's death was announced.

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. 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.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor also issued a statement.

It is a solemn day among the entire law enforcement community within Alabama as we all mourn the tragic and heartbreaking loss of Deputy Johnson. On behalf of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, I would like to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to Deputy Johnson’s family, his colleagues with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and everyone that knew and loved him. Truly, Bibb County and the State of Alabama has lost one of its heroes. In addition to Deputy Johnson’s heroic sacrifice, our thoughts and prayers are also with his colleague, Deputy Chris Poole, who was struck by gunfire over the course of the incident. Deputy Poole has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Along with sharing our sincerest condolences, we pledge to make all resources available to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office as well as the surrounding community as they grieve and cope with this unfortunate and heartbreaking situation.

There were several agencies across the area echoing that sentiment on social media Thursday afternoon. Mountain Brook Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Helena Police Department and many others took to social media to speak on Johnson's death.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Comment bubble
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (
0
)



Loading ...