Memorial ride honors Brad Johnson, raises funds for family

The Black Warrior Chapter of the Protectors hosted a memorial bike ride Saturday to raise money for the family of former Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Johnson who was shot in the line of duty one year ago.

Chapter’s Vice President Dustin Cline said the group has kept in close contact with the family, ensuring they have everything they need.

“This event is to help raise money for the Johnson family as far as Steve and Nancy, the mother and father. It’s to help them with some unexpected funds that have come about,” said Cline.

A year after his death, friends and family are still taking things day by day.

“It is an emotional roller coaster. There are some days when you think of his name and you smile and there some days when you think of his name and it takes everything you have to pick yourself up in the morning,” said Johnson’s former fiancée Angela Mims.

Many riders didn’t know Johnson personally, but most know all about grief.

Chapter president Daniel Earle said his experience in in law enforcement helps him understand the constant struggles that comes with the job.

“My two kids and my wife, I know how they felt when I would leave the house every morning,” Earle said. “It affects you in multiple ways. So for me it’s pretty deep.”

The event started at T-Town Harley Davidson and ended at Pineland Memorial Park in Centreville, where Johnson is buried.