Douglas Gerald Johnson, 28, was killed on April 23, 1987, in Palm Bay, Florida, while responding as a Palm Bay Police Department officer to a mass shooting. Johnson had been with the department for just under a year. He and Officer Ronald Grogan were among the first responders at two plaza locations where a gunman armed with a Ruger Mini 14 had killed six civilians and wounded 18 others.

As they arrived the shooter opened fire. Officer Grogan was killed instantly. Officer Johnson exited his vehicle and returned fire but was hit in the foot and then shot at point-blank range and later died of his wounds. The suspect was captured and convicted of the murders; the case left a deep mark on the Palm Bay community.

Memorials were held and Johnson’s name, along with Grogan’s, was inscribed on a monument at Sacrifice Park where annual ceremonies honor their sacrifice. If anyone knew Officer Johnson or has information about that day, please share what you remember.