A Rapides Parish, Louisiana Sheriff's deputy died after suffering a heart attack at the start of his shift Tuesday evening.
Cpl. Robert Johnson was loading his patrol vehicle at the Kolin substation when he collapsed in the parking lot, according to a sheriff's office news release.
A passing motorist spotted the down deputy and stopped to notify the deputies inside. The deputies and the motorist immediately started CPR and called for an ambulance.
The 43-year-old was transported by ambulance to Rapides Regional Trauma Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after 6 p.m.
Johnson has been with the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office since 1995 and was currently assigned as a School Resource Officer at Ruby Wise Elementary School and worked on shift in the Patrol Division during the summer.
"Please keep Robert’s wife, children, family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as well as our Sheriff’s Office family, during this most difficult time," Sheriff William Earl Hilton said in a statement. "Robert was a good deputy, always helpful and truly loved his assignment as an SRO. The Ruby Wise Elementary where Robert worked has a mission statement that says 'To develop a safe nurturing environment that promotes lifelong learning.' Robert did his part and more to honor that mission statement of providing a safe environment for children to learn. Robert will be missed greatly by all those who knew him."
He leaves behind his wife, Tanya Ferrier Johnson, and their three daughters, Sophia 9, Lila 6, and Brileigh 5.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
