Quick Facts
VirgoBiography
Sivad Heshimu Johnson was a 26 year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department when he perished while trying to save three children from drowning, on August 21, 2020.
Johnson was off-duty, visiting Belle Island, a recreational attraction, with his daughter, when he heard the cries of three sisters.Johnson and other on-lookers dived in.The girls were saved, but Johnson was lost.His body was found the next day.Click on Detroit reported it was believed he may have been swept away by a rip current.
In 2017 the Detroit Fire Department awarded Sergeant Johnson its Medal of Honor.Johnson's father and brother also served as firefighters.
On April 16, 2019, Johnson provided a first person account of being trapped, while trying to rescue a civilian from a house fire.
Johnson was also an artist and motivational speaker.Johnson's name Sivad is Davis, backwards, a way to honor his mother, whose maiden name was Davis.
Detroit was introducing a new fireboat, and, on August 31, 2020, it was announced that the new vessel would be named Sivad Johnson.