Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Monday, March 17, 1969
Add to My HeroesFrancis B. Johnson
Patrolman Francis Johnson was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance at a local tavern.
He had been nearby directing traffic at Kneeland and Tremont Streets when a citizen alerted him to the disturbance. As he entered the bar he was momentarily unable to see as it was extremely bright outside and extremely dark inside. He was unaware that a man inside was waving a gun and as his eyes adjusted to the darkness the suspect shot him.
The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to life and has been denied parole on several occasions.
Patrolman Johnson had served with the Boston Police Department for 27 years. He was survived by his wife and six children.
Bio
- Age 51
- Tour 27 years
- Badge 2794
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 51 ReflectionsRest in peace.
J.R.
March 18, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Arturo Villegas
Alamo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin
Grant County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: December 11, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021

Corporal Christine Peters
Greenbelt Police Department, MD
EOW: January 14, 2021

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA
EOW: January 8, 2021

Police Officer Melton "Fox" Gore
Horry County Police Department, SC
EOW: January 12, 2021

Sergeant Frederick H. "Butch" Cameron
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: January 12, 2021