William “Bill” Johnson will forever be remembered in Zachary, Louisiana, for his strength and bravery. He was the city’s first Black police officer and a man who made a lasting impact on his community. Johnson died over the weekend at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of courage and leadership.
His wife, Gloria Johnson, spoke about the kind of man he was. “It’s really difficult… with him being gone,” she said quietly. But beyond the grief, Gloria proudly remembers the bold life her husband lived.
The First Black Officer in Zachary Police History
In 1973, William Johnson made a decision that would change Zachary forever. He joined the Zachary Police Department as the first Black officer. At the time, Louisiana was still struggling with segregation, and the Civil Rights Act had only been passed a few years earlier.
It was a tough job, and not everyone welcomed him. “None of the other officers would have anything to say to him,” Gloria remembered. Still, Johnson stayed on the force and worked for 21 years before retiring in 1994. His quiet strength helped open doors for those who would follow.
Serving with Honor Despite Segregation’s Shadow
Johnson’s courage showed in his decision to wear the badge at a time when it was dangerous to do so. The 1970s in Louisiana were still marked by racial tensions. But he chose service over fear and never backed down.
Gloria shared how important it was for people to realize how brave he was. “Just to keep people mindful of how significant it was for him to be bold enough to attempt to do what he did… it was amazing,” she said. Johnson’s career was about much more than personal success — it was about creating new chances for the Black community in Zachary.
A Legacy That Helped Shape Zachary’s Future
The effects of Johnson’s decision can still be seen today. In 2023, Darryl Lawrence, Jr. made headlines as the first Black police chief of Zachary. It was a moment built on the foundation Johnson laid half a century earlier.
Though many remember 1973 as his proudest achievement, Gloria says something else mattered more to him in recent years. In 2022, Johnson discovered he had a daughter he never knew about. Her name is Zindy Johnson. “The most exciting and impactful thing that I can remember that excited him to the utmost was when he found out he had a daughter,” Gloria shared. “I mean, that just changed his life.”
A New Chapter in a Life Full of Courage
While Bill and Gloria never had children together, learning about Zindy brought new joy to their lives. “That kind of overshadows everything else that’s happened in our lives,” Gloria admitted. The discovery gave Johnson another chance to love, connect, and find peace.
Though his passing leaves a hole in many hearts, Gloria is determined to keep his story alive. “I have not broken down, as many of us would say, yet,” she explained. “I’ve had my little quiet moments, but I have to be strong, because Bill would want me to be strong.”
Funeral Plans to Honor a Local Hero
The community of Zachary will come together to honor Johnson’s memory. His funeral service is set for Tuesday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at New Pilgrim Baptist Church in Zachary. Family, friends, and community members will gather to celebrate the life of a man who dared to step forward when others stepped back.
His legacy will continue to inspire young Black officers, reminding them that courage often starts with one person choosing to do what’s right.
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