• Memorial plaque unveiled near the Belle Isle beach where Sgt. Sivad Johnson made the ultimate sacrifice
• Johnson’s final act of heroism reflected a career dedicated to protecting and serving others
• Family, friends and Detroit firefighters remember a beloved father, colleague and friend who will never be forgotten

A memorial plaque honoring Detroit Fire Department Sgt. Sivad Johnson was unveiled Monday along the pedestrian walkway on Belle Isle, near the beach where Johnson made the ultimate sacrifice while helping save three young girls from drowning six years ago.

Johnson, a 26-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department, died on August 21, 2020, after entering the Detroit River to rescue three girls who were struggling in the water. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, Sgt. Johnson’s family, and members of the Detroit Fire Department gathered to dedicate the permanent memorial in honor of his extraordinary courage, selflessness and service to others.

Mayor Mary Sheffield said Johnson’s final act exemplified the spirit of Detroiters who look out for one another. “Sgt. Sivad Johnson gave his life to save three young girls, and there is no greater example of selflessness or service than that,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Detroiters take care of each other — it’s who we are — and Sgt. Johnson lived that truth every day. This memorial ensures that generations of Detroiters will know his name, remember his sacrifice, and understand the extraordinary example he set for all of us.”

Mayor Mary Sheffield addresses the large group of Detroit firefighters, family and friends of Sgt. Sivad Johnson as Chief of Department, David Nelson, looks on.

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said the department wanted to create a lasting tribute to Johnson and the sacrifice he made on Belle Isle. “After Sgt. Johnson’s death, we named our new rescue boat in his honor — the Sivad Johnson — and even in the midst of a global pandemic, we gathered to mark that occasion and honor his final act of heroism,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “But we knew that wasn’t enough. We wanted something more permanent, something that would stand here where Sivad made the ultimate sacrifice and remind generations to come of his remarkable courage, bravery and willingness to put the lives of others before his own.”

Deputy Commissioner Robert Stokes, who was a classmate of Johnson at the Detroit Fire Department, said Johnson’s final act was consistent with the way he lived his life and served his community. “Sivad’s final act of bravery wasn’t out of character — it was exactly how he lived every day,” said Deputy Commissioner Robert Stokes. “He always put others first, even when doing so meant putting himself in danger. He was a great father, a strong firefighter and someone who was deeply respected by his peers. We lost a tremendous member of the Detroit Fire Department and an even better person. This plaque gives us a place to remember Sivad, but his impact will always live in the hearts of the people who knew him.”

A memorial to mark a hero's sacrifice. The plaque is located on the far East edge of Belle Isle Beach, along the island's pedestrian walkway. 

On August 21, 2020, Johnson was visiting Belle Isle with his 10-year-old daughter, Hayden, when he heard witnesses say that three young girls were drowning in the Detroit River. Johnson gave his phone and keys to his daughter before he and a civilian entered the water to help rescue the girls.

After the three girls were safely brought to shore, Hayden realized she could not find her father and called 911. Detroit first responders searched exhaustively for Johnson for eight hours. The search was called off at approximately 4 a.m. and resumed later that morning. Johnson’s body was tragically recovered that day near the Detroit Yacht Club.

It is believed Johnson became entangled in aquatic vegetation in a sinkhole along the riverbed while attempting to save the girls.

Executive Commissioner Chuck Simms gifted the Johnson Family with a plaque identical to the one dedicated on Belle Isle. 

Johnson’s sacrifice on Belle Isle was not the first time he put his own life at risk to save another person. In 2017, he received the Detroit Public Safety Foundation’s Medal of Valor for extraordinary bravery while rescuing a man trapped on the second floor of a burning apartment building.

Johnson was also known for his creativity and many talents outside of the fire service. He was a storyteller, launched his own T-shirt line, created artwork featured in children’s books and designed the Detroit Fire Department’s logo. He came from a family of firefighters, with both his father and brother serving the City of Detroit.

Sivad Johnson's family at Monday's ceremony. From left to right: Father, William (Bill) Johnson, a retired Detroit Firefighter, ex-wife Suzette, daughters Kyndall and Hayden, brother Jamal Johnson, also a retired Detroit Firefighter. 

DFD's rescue boat has saved countless lives since it has been a part of the department's fleet, and was named for Sgt. Sivan Johnson six years ago.

Ten days after his death, on August 31, 2020, the Detroit Fire Department named its rescue fireboat the Sivad Johnson in honor of his final act of heroism.

Today’s plaque now provides a permanent place on Belle Isle to remember Johnson’s life, service and ultimate sacrifice.

“Sgt. Johnson will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, including his brothers and sisters at the Detroit Fire Department,” the memorial reads.

The memorial plaque was dedicated August 24, 2026.