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Incident
Officer Johnson was shot and killed by a jail escapee who he and another officer cornered in the basement of a home. Both officers returned fire killing the suspect. The officers had pursued the suspect as he escaped from the McDowell County Jail. Just seconds before he fled he shot and killed Deputy Sheriff Travis Milton French of the McDowell County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
Officer Johnson was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Johnson served with the Welch Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Welch community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Welch Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Boss is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Boss is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Boss 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 1949, 2 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1949, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1949, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Boss was 50. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
Boss 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.
Boss was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 10.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Welch Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 8.3% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Welch Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Boss among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Welch Police Department are honored on badge.nw.