(Credit: Upper Dublin Township Police Department)
Officer Edward B. "Eagle" Johnson passed away on June 25
The Upper Dublin Township Police Department recently announced, with heavy hearts, the passing of retired fellow Police Officer Edward B. “Eagle” Johnson, who had proudly served UPPD from March 1970 to August 1997. Officer Johnson passed away on June 25, 2024.
“Officer Johnson's commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of our community left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” said the department’s Facebook page post. “Throughout his distinguished career, he was known for his integrity, bravery, and compassionate approach to law enforcement.”
The department’s post reported that Officer Johnson “took on many responsibilities over the course of his law enforcement career.” He had previously served as a Field Training Officer and as an Officer-In-Charge in supervising daily the operations of his squad with UDPD. Additionally, he was an instructor at the Montgomery County Police Academy and a member of the Black Police Officers Association in Montgomery County.
Prior to working at the Upper Dublin Township Police Department, Officer Johnson worked for Ambler Borough Police Department.
According to the UPPD, Officer Johnson was known as “Eagle” for “his approachable personality and kind heart.”
“He was a true mentor and respected by youth and adults alike who would seek him out when they needed guidance or just someone to talk to,” said the department’s post. “Officer Johnson mentored many young black men who were interested in law enforcement.”
Johnson “continued to be an active and cherished member” of the Upper Dublin community when he served as a Security Officer for the Upper Dublin School District.
“Through that work, he helped many students during their challenging years at Sandy Run Middle School,” said the UPPD post.
In addition to his years serving the Upper Dublin community, Johnson also “found his true calling,” per the UPPD, “when he became a Pastor of the Holmesburg Baptist Church in Philadelphia” in 2002.
“It was there that he continued his legacy of service to the Lord and his kindness will be remembered and cherished by all in his congregation,” said the Facebook post. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and former colleagues.”
The community is invited to honor Officer Johnson’s memory and “celebrate his life and contributions to our community” with a public viewing which is slated to be held on Friday, July 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Aldworth Funeral Home located at 4117 Decatur St., Philadelphia.
A second public viewing will also be held on Saturday, July 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Holmesburg Baptist Church, located at 7927 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia.
Memorial Services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, following the viewing. All community members are welcome to attend and pay their respects to any of the ceremonies.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and notes of sympathy,” said the UPPD via the post. “Officer Johnson will be deeply missed, but his spirit and legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
A tribute wall is available online, courtesy of the funeral home, for those who wish to leave a digital condolence.
Those who wish to make a donation in Johnson’s name may do so at the Holmesburg Baptist Church, by telephone at 215-338-3333 or by email to allen.jones459@gmail.com. Links to send flowers or donate a tree in Johnon’s name are available via his obituary, listed here.
