Prev
Incident
Deputy Clifford Johnson was shot and killed as he and several other deputies conducted a liquor raid on a home in Ballyhack, Virginia.
The home had been raided shortly after midnight and several gallons of whiskey and wine were confiscated and the homeowner was arrested. The raiding party returned to the home in the afternoon to continue the search and located a whiskey still in a wooded area nearby.
After the discovery, Deputy Johnson and his son, who was also a deputy, were summoned back to the location. As the raiding party inspected the still, Deputy Johnson went to the home, where he was confronted by the homeowner's wife. The woman, who was armed with a .32 caliber revolver, demanded to see a warrant and then began to struggle with the officer. As the two fought, the woman's brother fired at Deputy Johnson with a .45 caliber rifle, but the round struck the woman in the chest.
The woman then fired a round from her pistol, striking Deputy Johnson. Another person at the home also shot Deputy Johnson using a .38 caliber revolver. Deputy Johnson died at the scene. The woman succumbed to her wound three days later. The brother was arrested after being trailed to a nearby house by a bloodhound.
Deputy Johnson had served with the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office for 3 years, and also served as the county jailer.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnmyr3fe8v8p497790bg- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Clifford. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Johnson gave the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Clifford is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Clifford is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Clifford is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 9 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Clifford was 50. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Clifford had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Clifford was 50. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Clifford had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Clifford was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Clifford had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Clifford among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Roanoke County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
