​Whitmer: Lower Flags To Honor Detroit Firefighter Who Died

DETROIT, MI — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all public buildings and grounds across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday to honor the life and service of Detroit Fire Department Sergeant Sivad Johnson.

Johnson, 49, died Aug. 21 trying to save three young girls from drowning in the Detroit River at Belle Isle. The flag honors will coincide with his funeral.

“Sergeant Sivad Johnson’s passing is a devastating loss for the Detroit Fire Department, the City of Detroit, and the entire state of Michigan,” Whitmer said. “Sgt. Sivad Johnson was an idol to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him and a hero in every aspect of this life. My thoughts and condolences are with his family as they lay him to rest.”

Related: Body Of Missing Detroit Firefighter Found Near Belle Isle

Johnson was a second-generation fire fighter in the Detroit Fire Department, who served for 26 years. In 2017, he was honored with the Medal of Valor. While off duty, Sivad was known for his artwork, which has appeared in children’s books, at local businesses, and on television. He also designed the current Detroit Fire Department logo.

On Aug. 21, Johnson died after he dove into the Detroit River at Belle Isle to help save the lives of three young girls from drowning. He is survived by his two daughters, a brother and father.

Johnson's body was recovered from the Detroit River not far offshore from Belle Isle by the Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department divers, the Detroit Free Press reported, citing Detroit Fire Department Director Dave Fornell.

He was found following a six-hour search Saturday.

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, August 30, 2020.