NORTHHAMPTON, New York -- A longtime police officer in Fulton County died Monday night after being hit by a car as he was helping a woman who had struck a deer in Northampton, county Sheriff Rich Giardino said Tuesday.
Robert Johnson, 60, of Mayfield had just left his job as a part-time Northville police officer about 10 p.m. when he spotted a woman pulled off the side of the road southbound on State Highway 30. He pulled over to help.
As he crossed the road with a gun to kill the deer, a northbound driver in his mid-20s struck Johnson, Giardino said. Civilians on the scene attempted CPR on Johnson but could not revive him.
The driver had moved to the right side of the road to avoid oncoming traffic that was making its way around the parked cars, Giardino said. He said the driver, who wasn't speeding, didn't have alcohol in his system. Giardino said after a "preliminary" investigation, there were no plans to bring charges against the driver.
Giardino said he had known Johnson for many years — Giardino officiated Johnson's wedding — and that he was a devoted officer who brought calm to the situations he encountered. He said Johnson had also served as a part-time sheriff's deputy and as a Gloversville officer for more than 20 years.
"He could always be relied on for backup and he was very calming, had a calming effect," Giardino said. "If you had to get arrested, you probably wanted Bobby Johnson to arrest you. He was a decent person."
Gloversville police wrote on Facebook: "Officer Johnson faithfully served 20 years with the Gloversville Police Department from 1984 to 2004 when he retired in good standing. We lost an excellent, decorated Police Officer, a true friend, and a dedicated father and husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his surviving family."
Copyright 2017 The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, N.Y.
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