Prev
Incident
Deputy John Johnson was shot and killed after surprising suspects while he was investigating a moonshine operation on Sand Mountain. Six men were apprehended and charged with murder. Only one was tried and he was found not guilty.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqk1fm0f33fj5n1wh4sp- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Johnson served with the Etowah County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Gadsden 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
Etowah County Sheriff's Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 1 officer at Etowah County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 5 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 45. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Etowah County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 45; the middle age was 43.
John was 45. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
John 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.
John 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 20% of these deaths at Etowah County Sheriff's Department; October holds the most, 20%. Fridays: 40%.
November holds 8.9% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Fridays: 14.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Etowah County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Etowah County Sheriff's Department has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Etowah County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
