National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Police Officer

Memorial Panel: 7-E: 27

Department: Livonia, Michigan, P.D.

End of Watch: January 19, 2007

Cause: PHYS

Age: 45

Years of Service: 17

Description: Police Officer Johnston suffered a heart attack after escorting a mental patient to a group home. Officers Johnston and Sgt. Pat Moug answered a call regarding a confused, mentally ill man who was standing in the cold. The officers learned that the man lived in a group home and offered to escort the man home. Officer Johnston held the man by the elbow and directed him to the patrol car. As they walked towards the vehicle, the man lost his footing on the snowy pavement and fell against Officer Johnston. Officer Johnston simultaneously grabbed the man to prevent him from falling. The man was approximately 5ft. 10in. and weighed about 190 lbs. Officer Johnston placed the man in the vehicle and drove him to the group home. Officer Johnston suffered a heart attack an hour later while on patrol. Officer Johnston was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officer Johnston is the father of Alabama Trooper Ervin Johnston II whose name is located on panel 21-W: 27.