Bibb County Sheriff Reflects On Deputy Killed In The Line Of Duty

CENTREVILLE, AL — Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade called slain Deputy Brad Johnson a hero on Friday, saying the shooting that left Johnson dead and another deputy injured on Wednesday is "truly beyond what words can describe."

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Bibb County and the Alabama law enforcement community are mourning the loss of Johnson, who was taken off life support Thursday afternoon after being shot in the head the previous day during a pursuit of a suspect in a stolen vehicle.

The Bibb County Sheriff's Office shared a heart-wrenching video of his final moments on Thursday, as staff at UAB Hospital in Birmingham and others gathered around Johnson — who is credited with also being a hero as an organ donor.

"We lost a Sheriff’s Deputy and beloved colleague, the community lost a great leader with a servant’s heart but worst of all, his children lost their father," he said of the 32-year-old deputy. "This event has shaken this community to its core; however, we will persevere to overcome this horrible situation and will continue on with the same resolve and dedication that Brad shared with us every single day."

Amid the outpouring of support and condolences, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Johnson will always be remembered as a hero. News of his death also comes less than a month after the death of Meridian Police officer and Tuscaloosa native Kennis Croom, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in Mississippi while responding to a call on June 9.

"He will not only be called a hero for protecting his community, but also through his organ donation," Ivey said. "Our entire state is praying for his family, his fiancé and fellow law enforcement officers."

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor also referred to the day as a solemn one, before going on to extend his condolences to those affected.

"In addition to Deputy Johnson’s heroic sacrifice, our thoughts and prayers are also with his
colleague, Deputy Chris Poole, who was struck by gunfire over the course of the incident," Taylor said on Thursday. "Deputy Poole has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Along with sharing our sincerest condolences, we pledge to make all resources available to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office as well as the surrounding community as they grieve and cope with this unfortunate and heartbreaking situation.”

As Patch previously reported, a large-scale manhunt was prompted in the Brierfield community of Bibb County immediately following the shooting, which resulted in police locating and arresting 26-year-old Austin Patrick Hall Thursday morning.

His initial appearance in court was set for Friday morning in Bibb County.

"I pledge that Brad’s memory will live on through our actions and we are committed to sharing his legacy with unwavering devotion," Bibb County's sheriff said on Friday. "I would also like to take a moment to say thank you to all of the first responders and to the community for the overwhelming love and support you have shown us during this difficult time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

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