DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Detroit Fire Department and the City of Detroit unveiled a memorial plaque Monday at Belle Isle to honor Sgt. Sivad Johnson, the firefighter who died six years ago while trying to save three young girls struggling in the Detroit River.
Johnson ran into the river at Belle Isle in an attempt to rescue the girls. His daughter, Hayden Johnson, was 10 years old at the time and was with him that day.
The three girls made it safely back to shore. Johnson did not. First responders searched for hours before his body was recovered near the Detroit Yacht Club.
"It was hard but I mean just, the family, I know it was tremendously hard on them as well," Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said.
Simms, a close friend of Johnson's, said the loss was devastating — but that the department wanted to create something that would keep Johnson's story alive in the community for generations.
Ten days after Johnson's death on Aug. 31, 2020, the Detroit Fire Department named its rescue fire boat the Sivad Johnson in honor of his heroism. Monday's plaque dedication marks another permanent tribute to a firefighter who spent 26 years serving Detroit.
Detroit
Detroit firefighter remembered as family man, master storyteller
"This just is so fitting now because it's at the site where he did the heroic action of his and it's in a place where people will constantly be able to see and read his story," Simms said.
For Johnson's family, the plaque carries deep personal meaning. Hayden said returning to Belle Isle was not easy.
"I haven't been here since everything happened the first time," Hayden said. "It's interesting to be back."
His daughter, Kyndall Johnson, said the community's presence at the dedication made the moment meaningful.
"To have a good memory made with the plaque and with the community that has shown up today, definitely a nice place to be again," Kyndall said.
Hayden reflected on what her father meant to the family before he became a public hero.
"He was like, always our hero first, so to see him be able to be able to do something for someone else and it be recognized to this level is really important to us," Hayden said.
The plaque now stands as a permanent reminder of a man who gave his life trying to save others — transforming a place once marked by tragedy into a lasting tribute.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
