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Incident
Police Officer Robert Johnston was accidentally shot when the .41 Colt revolver dropped from its holster to the floor and discharged.
He was shoveling coal in the city council chamber when the accident occurred. He was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the neck and died of his injuries the next day.
Officer Johnston was survived by his wife, three children from a previous marriage, and five siblings.
Survivors
Officer Johnston was survived by his wife, three children from a previous marriage, and five siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Johnston served with the Rock Hill Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rock Hill community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Johnston.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Rock Hill Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 139 officers lost to accidents in SC, 31.4% of the 442 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1906, 1 officer in SC was lost to accidents, the 42nd heaviest of 71 years on record. The heaviest was 1986, with 6.
In 1906, 27 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 118th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1906, 40 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 116th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
January holds 7.2% of these deaths in SC; June holds the most, 13.7%. Fridays: 20.1%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Rock Hill Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 442 deaths in SC, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Rock Hill Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Rock Hill Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
