MEMPHIS, Tennessee (WMC) – A “sea of ​​blue” honoring fallen Memphis police officer Demetrice Johnson swept through the city Wednesday night.

Hundreds of police officers from across the Mid-South joined the procession in memory of a hero who was killed in a car crash while on duty earlier this month.

In case you were wondering why the freeway in Memphis was closed Wednesday night, the Sea of ​​​​Blue procession for Officer Johnson is the reason why.

It began at 8:00 p.m. in front of the Oakgrove Missionary Baptist Church on Stage Road in Bartlett, where Officer Johnson’s visit took place.

Representatives from police and sheriff departments from across the Mid-South and beyond came to pay their respects.

Officer Johnson graduated from the police academy in March. His dream was to become a police officer.

He leaves behind his wife Chosen and his two-year-old son Chance.

Action News 5 spoke with Officer Johnson’s pastor about his life and legacy. “He was the epitome of a man,” said Pastor David Gillard. “He was just a great guy, never changed and had a servant’s heart. He loved his family, loved his church and loved to serve. He was just that man.”

Pastor Gillard said Johnson had a great laugh that could light up a room. He has known Johnson for many years and performed his wedding ceremony. “His family is doing as well as you would expect,” Pastor Gillard said. “I had the privilege of marrying them. They would have celebrated their second wedding anniversary on August 20th. She is devastated. He doesn’t really know Chance, his son, who is two years old. We are just praying and believing in God that they will definitely find courage in the days ahead.”

Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis told Action News 5, “Our hearts are broken right now.”

This is the second Memphis Police Department officer to die this year.

Officer Joseph McKinney was killed in a shooting in April while responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle.

The Sea of ​​​​Blue procession is becoming too familiar to the Memphis community.

A patrol car memorial to Officer Johnson was erected in the North Precinct where he was stationed.

His celebration of life service will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastor Donald Johnson is a member of the MPD’s chaplaincy academy. He wanted Officer Johnson’s family and the rest of the Thin Blue Line to know that their service is appreciated: “Just know that someone really cares about you,” Pastor Johnson said. “(Someone) really thinks about you, and not just because they have a gun and a badge. What you do is not for free.”

Officer Johnson’s funeral will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery at 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis.

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