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Incident
Police Officer Isaac Johnston succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day when he was shot from ambush while walking his beat.
He was approaching the Third Street Hollow, near Thompson Hollow, when he was shot in the abdomen without warning by someone who was with a large group of people standing on the side of the road. The entire group fled to a nearby home, where a posse located them a short time later.
As the posse attempted to make entry into the home someone inside opened fire, wounding two citizens in the posse. Seven men were eventually arrested and charged with Officer Johnston's murder. Of the three held most responsible, one died in jail, one was sent to the insane asylum, and the other was in the hospital. The other four were tried for murder and acquitted.
Officer Johnston was survived by his wife.
Officer Johnston was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Officer Johnston was survived by his wife. Officer Johnston was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Donora Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Donora 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 · Felonious
Donora Borough Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Isaac is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Isaac is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Isaac is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Isaac was 45. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Isaac was 45. 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.
Isaac was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Donora Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 4.5% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Donora Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Isaac among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Donora Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
