‘Our hearts are broken’—An MPD Sea of Blue honors, commemorates life of fallen officer Demetrice Johnson

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A Sea of Blue honoring fallen Memphis Police Officer Demetrice Johnson traveled across the city Wednesday night.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the Mid-South joined the procession—remembering a hero who died in the line of duty earlier this month in a car crash.

If you were wondering why the interstate was shut down in Memphis Wednesday evening, the Sea of Blue procession for Officer Johnson is the reason why.

It started at 8:00 p.m. outside Oakgrove Missionary Baptist Church on Stage Road in Bartlett, where Officer Johnson’s visitation was held.

Officers representing police and sheriff’s departments from across the Mid-South and beyond turned out to pay their respects.

Officer Johnson graduated from the police academy in March. His dream was to be a police officer.

He leaves behind his wife, Chosen, and his 2-year-old son, Chance.

Action News 5 talked with Officer Johnson’s pastor about his life and legacy. “He was the epitome of a man,” said Pastor David Gillard, “He was just a great guy, never changed, and had a servant’s heart. He loved his family, loved his church, and loved to serve. He was just that man.”

Pastor Gillard said Johnson had a great laugh that would light up a room. He’d known Johnson for many years and officiated his marriage, “His family is doing as well as can be expected,” said Pastor Gillard, “I had the privilege of marrying them. They would’ve celebrated two years of marriage on August 20. She’s broken. Chance, his son, who’s two, he doesn’t really know. We’re just praying and believe in God that they will definitely be encouraged in the days to come.”

Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis told Action News 5, “Our hearts are broken right now.”

This is the second fallen officer this year in the Memphis Police Department.

Officer Joseph McKinney was killed in a shootout in April while responding to a suspicious vehicle call.

The Sea of Blue procession is becoming too familiar for the Memphis community.

A squad car memorial is set up for Officer Johnson at the North Precinct where he was assigned.

His celebration of life service is at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Senior Pastor Donald Johnson is a member of the MPD’s clergy academy; he wanted Officer Johnson’s family and the rest of the Thin Blue Line to know that their service is appreciated: “Just know somebody really cares about you,” said Pastor Johnson, “[Someone’s] really thinking about you beyond carrying a gun and wearing a badge. What you’re doing is not in vain.”

Officer Johnson’s burial will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery at 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis.

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