Robert Johnson retired from the Waterford Township Police Department in 2003 and had served as a court deputy for 52-2 District Court in Independence Township since 2005.
Johnson passed away unexpectedly on August 22 at the age of 63.
“Deputy Johnson dedicated his life to protecting and serving the residents of Oakland County,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “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, where he served as a police officer, DARE officer, and as a detective. After his retirement, he joined the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in 2005.
“He was a very well-respected and talented pursuit training officer,” read a statement from the OCSO. “Deputy Johnson taught many on the finer points of pursuit driving and everyone who was privileged to have him as an instructor admired his passion for training and law enforcement.”

— Matt Mackinder