Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, February 3, 1962
Add to My HeroesEarl Lee Johnson, Jr.
Police Officer Earl Johnson succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier while responding to an officer down call.
He was off duty when he heard a radio call from an officer who had just been shot requesting assistance. Officer Johnson got on his police motorcycle and was en route to the scene but lost control of the motorcycle at SW 89th Avenue and 88th Street. The impact of Officer Johnson hitting the ground caused his helmet to crack.
He was transported to Baptist Hospital where he died four days later. The officer who had been shot survived.
Officer Johnson was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served in law enforcement for five years. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 721
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Motorcycle crash
- Incident Date Wednesday, January 31, 1962
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsJeanene,
I joined the Dade County PSD March 3rd of 1969 so I did not know Earl. However, when I recently purchased a new Challenge Coin for Miami Dade Police Motorcycle Unit, of which I was a part of for 9+ years, I noticed the badge # that was imprinted on the badge was Earl's, #721. I would be glad to send you one if you would like.
William Solen, Sgt Retired
Metro Dade PD, 1969-1994
May 21, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Caleb Abney
Hahira Police Department, GA
EOW: February 19, 2026
Trooper Michael Diego
Florida Highway Patrol, FL
EOW: February 18, 2026
Police Officer Brian Elliott
Beech Grove Police Department, IN
EOW: February 16, 2026
Trooper Hunter R. Bennett
Arizona Department of Public Safety, AZ
EOW: February 4, 2026
Sergeant Robert G. Porfert
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: March 21, 2025
Police Officer Timothy J. Keane
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: June 8, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Joe Crumpton
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: December 9, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Richard A. Haggard
Lee County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: February 2, 2026
Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang
Gwinnett County Police Department, GA
EOW: February 1, 2026

