Detective Roy Vance Johnson, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Kansas

Detective Roy Vance Johnson

Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Kansas

End of Watch Thursday, October 31, 1974

Roy Vance Johnson

Detective Johnson was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend an escaped prisoner who had shot and wounded a Wichita detective. Two other deputies were also shot and wounded during the arrest. The suspect escaped the scene but was eventually caught and sentenced to life in prison.

Detective Johnson had been with the agency for three years and was survived by his wife and children.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 3 years
Badge D-16

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

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Toward the Sound of the Guns

by Sgt. Oscar Thomasson

In Honored Memory of Detective Roy “Vance” Johnson
End of Watch 10/31/1974

There is a peculiar type of soul
who runs toward danger
when all others lose control
they are freedom’s true daughters and sons
those brave few who run toward the sound of the guns.

These brave warriors stand ready day and night
to lay it all on the line
when all the rest are filled with fright
they run to join the battle and fight until it’s done
those brave few who run toward the sound of the guns.

They are God’s blessing to the land of the free
standing between our homes and evil’s desolation
giving their all for liberty
sad it seems their sacrifice has just begun
God bless the few who run toward the sound of the guns.