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Body of missing veteran fire department sergeant recovered from Detroit River

Sivad Johnson was with the Detroit Fire Department for more than 20 years

The body of a Detroit Fire Sergeant, Sivad Johnson, was recovered from the Detroit River on Aug. 22, 2020 after he had entered the river to save two girls from drowning. (WDIV)

DETROIT – On Saturday, authorities recovered the body of missing Detroit Fire Department sergeant, Sivad Johnson.

His body was recovered by Detroit Police Department and DFD divers.

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The 26-year veteran of the fire department and native Detroit resident went missing Friday night.

Last night dive teams searched the Detroit River near Belle Isle for Johnson.

According to officials, on Friday around 9 p.m. Johnson’s 10-year-old daughter contacted police and reported that she had lost her father.

Troopers and DNR officers responded to the scene within minutes, officials said.

Johnson, 49, initially went into the Detroit River to save two young girls from drowning.

When those girls were safe, their parents took them home. Afterward Johnson’s daughter realized her father was missing.

It is believed Johnson may have been dragged underwater by a rip current.

In 2017 Johnson was awarded the Detroit Fire Department Medal of Valor.

How to Help

An online fundraiser has been created to help the family.

Original report: 49-year-old father missing after going into Detroit River near Belle Isle to rescue 2 young girls


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