Palm Bay Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Thursday, April 23, 1987
Add to My HeroesGerald Douglas Johnson
Officer Gerald Johnson and Officer Ronald Grogan were shot and killed while responding to the scene of a mass shooting during which a man had gone on a shooting spree with a Ruger Mini 14 rifle, killing six civilians and wounding another 18.
The suspect took hostages at a supermarket and as the officers arrived he opened fire on them, killing Officer Grogan before he was able to exit his patrol car. Officer Johnson was able to exit his vehicle and return fire before being struck in the foot and knocked down. As he was reloading the suspect approached him and shot him at point-blank range.
The suspect was captured later in the night. He was convicted of the murders and was subsequently sentenced to death. While awaiting his execution he died of natural causes at age 82 on November 29th, 2009.
Officer Johnson had served with the Palm Bay Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife, 9-year-old son, parents, brother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 1 year
- Badge 67
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; Mini 14
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
April 23, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024