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Incident
Deputy Flem Johnson was shot and killed as he and another deputy attempted to arrest a bar owner in Delbarton.
The other deputy had arrested a patron for being drunk in public in the bar moments before Deputy Johnson arrived at the scene. During the initial arrest the bar owner threatened the deputy and told him next time he came back he would kill him.
Deputy Johnson, who had just arrived in Delbarton by taxi for his night patrol, accompanied the deputy back to the bar to arrest the owner. As he entered the establishment, the bar owner opened fire with a .44 caliber handgun, striking Deputy Johnson three times, fatally wounding him. Deputy Johnson and the other deputy both returned fire and killed the suspect.
Deputy Johnson had served with the Mingo County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Deputy Johnson had served with the Mingo County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two children, parents, and 16 siblings.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Johnson gave the Mingo County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Williamson 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
Mingo County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Flem is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Flem is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Flem is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1946, 4 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Flem was 26. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Flem had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Flem was 26. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Flem had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Flem was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Flem had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Saturdays: 13%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Mingo County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .44 caliber, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .44 caliber, in 1.2% 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; .44 caliber, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .44 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Mingo County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, Flem among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Mingo County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
