DETROIT (WXYZ) — A memorial was held Monday afternoon for Detroit Fire Sergeant Sivad Johnson.
The 26-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department passed away after rescuing young girls from drowning in the Detroit River at Belle Isle last week.
On Friday evening, Johnson was with his 10-year-old daughter at the park when he heard witnesses say three young girls were drowning in the water. Johnson gave his phone and keys to his daughter, and he and a civilian jumped into the river to save the girls, according to Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones.
After the girls were safely brought to shore, Sgt. Johnson’s daughter realized she could not find her father and called 911 around 9 p.m., according to the Michigan State Police.
After more than 12 hours of searching, crews recovered the 49-year-old father of two's body from the river on Saturday.
