Deputy Police Chief Ralph Johnson Dies In Bristol Township

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —Bristol Township Deputy Police Chief Ralph Johnson has died.

Police Chief Robert A. Coulton made the announcement that Johnson passed away Friday morning surrounded by his family.

Coulton said he joined the department on June 1, 2015, with the task of instituting changes and professionalizing the police administration and department operations.

Since that time, the police chief said the department has "made great strides in those efforts," all of which wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated assistance of Johnson.

"From day one, Johnson embraced our plan to instill the change that was required to improve the policing services for the citizens of Bristol Township," the chief said in an official statement. "Those who knew him know, he could accomplish any task large or small, but for me, he was a trusted partner, confidant, and friend."

"With Deputy Chief Johnson’s passing, he will be remembered as a remarkable individual who poured everything he had into his three decades of law enforcement service to his community, and he will serve as a role model for our future generation of police officers to emulate," the chief continued.

Coulton said that details of Johnson's funeral services are pending. The police chief did not state a cause of death in his statement.

"We will miss him greatly," the chief said on behalf of the department. "May God Bless Deputy Chief Ralph Johnson and his loving family."

The Yardley Borough Police Department also expressed its condolences.

"Ralph was a friend and mentor to many in Pennsylvania and beyond," the department posted on Facebook. "The Yardley Borough Police Department offers our condolences to the Johnson Family and to the entire Bristol Township Police Department. Rest in peace Chief."