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Incident
Police Officer John Johnston was killed in an automobile crash on US Route 220 approximately two miles south of Martsinsville when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.
It is believed that his patrol car's steering gear failed as he went around a curve, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Officer Johnston had served with the Henry County Police Department for four years and served in the community of Fieldale.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 gave the Henry County Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Martinsville 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
John is the only officer of Henry County Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1945, 1 officer in VA was lost to accidents, the 55th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 1945, 62 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 70th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1945, 68 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 36. Of the 192 lost to accidents in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 36. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 36. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 12.8%. Saturdays: 17.7%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Henry County Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
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