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Belle Isle memorial honors fallen Detroit fire sergeant
Sgt. Sivad Johnson was at the beach with his 10-year-old daughter, Hayden, when he went into the water to help rescue three young girls who were drowning. They were saved, but Sgt. Johnson lost his life. On Monday, FOX 2 spoke with his family, including his daughter Hayden, as the city unveiled the new memorial.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - A beloved Detroit firefighter who lost his own life-saving others is being honored with a permanent memorial six years after a day at the beach on Belle Isle turned to tragedy.
The heroic efforts of Sgt. Sivad Johnson
Local perspective:
Sgt. Sivad Johnson was at the beach with his 10-year-old daughter, Hayden, when he went into the water to help rescue three young girls who were drowning. They were saved, but Sgt. Johnson lost his life. On Monday, FOX 2 spoke with his family, including his daughter Hayden, as the city unveiled the new memorial.
"It shows that the city kind of still cares, and it doesn’t just let things happen and move on from them, but it keeps the memory held. We don’t get to forget, and it doesn’t just go away every year for us," said Hayden Johnson.
"This was a guy who stood up, integrity, discipline," said Jamal Johnson.
"We will miss him, I will, for the rest of my life. Thank you all for coming out to honor my son," said Bill Johnson.
Honoring Sgt. Johnson
Nearby in the water during the ceremony, the fire boat sat in which the fire department named after him six years prior, even inviting Hayden on board. Now, they also have something permanent placed at the beach where the 26-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department made the ultimate sacrifice while off duty.
"Sgt. Sivad’s was a tremendous loss to the Detroit Fire Department. We lost an experienced firefighter, an officer, a respected colleague and a brother. But more importantly, his family lost a father, a brother and a son," said Executive Fire Commissioner Charles Simms.
"Though our hearts may ache with loss, we honor Sivad Johnson by never forgetting the life, legacy and service he provided on behalf of the Detroit Fire Department," said Deputy Commissioner Robert Stokes.
"May this plaque stand as a permanent reminder that true heroism is measured not by what we say, but by what we’re willing to do for others. Sgt. Johnson gave everything, and Detroit will never forget him and his service," said Mayor Sheffield.
It is still a heavy loss for the family, the department and all who knew and loved Sivad Johnson.
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The Source: FOX 2 was at the unveiling event for information on this report.