Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Dies Unexpectedly

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Oakland County Sheriff's deputy Robert Johnson died unexpectedly Saturday, the department announced Thursday. He was 63.

“Deputy Johnson dedicated his life to protecting and serving the residents of Oakland County,” Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard said. “He made an insurmountable impact on those he worked with and those he taught through his pursuit driving instruction. He was an asset to both Waterford and the Sheriff’s Office and today we honor his service to our community.”

Johnson, who was a resident of Atlas Township in Genesee County, graduated from
Waterford Kettering High School and then attended Oakland Community College, earning an
associate degree.

He completed the police academy following college and was hired by the Waterford Township Police Department. During his career at Waterford PD, he served as a police officer, DARE office and as a detective, retiring in 2003.

After his retirement, he joined the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in 2005, where he has since served as a deputy for 52-2 District Court located in Independence Township.

Officials said than in addition to his positions with Waterford and the sheriff’s office, he was a very well-respected and talented pursuit training officer. Johnson taught many on the finer points of pursuit driving and everyone who had him as an instructor admired his passion for training and law enforcement, officials said.