BPD Remembers: On Monday, March 17, 1969, Officer Francis B. Johnson was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a disturbance at a tavern in the area of Kneeland Street and Tremont Street in Downtown Boston. The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Johnson was 51 years of age at the time of his death and had served with the Boston Police Department for 27 years. He was survived by his wife and six children.
Officer Johnson was laid to rest at the Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree. His name is forever imprinted on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in our nation’s capital on Panel 35, West Line 6. His name can also be seen on the BPD’s Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts State Law Enforcement Memorial located on the lawn of the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
In Boston, a Hero Sign has been posted in his honor in the area of Tremont Street and Boylston Street in Downtown Boston. Should you find yourself in that area, please keep an eye out for his Hero Sign and, if time allows, take a second to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave soul who died protecting and serving our city while also recognizing the hurt, heartache and hardship endured by the friends and loved ones he left behind.