Dexter will dedicate Fish Island pavilion to slain police chief

DEXTER — Samuel A. Johnson bettered the lives of thousands in his 13 years of service as village police chief here. Many of those people will come together Friday, the 21st anniversary of his tragic death, to dedicate a new pavilion in his honor on Fish Island.

Mr. Johnson was shot to death when he was ambushed while responding to a call Sept. 11, 1987 on Pillar Point. Robert J. Thomas, Mr. Johnson's friend and his deputy chief, recalled Saturday that the homicide "was a big shakeup for the village and the communities."

Mr. Thomas, a Jefferson County legislator, is hoping the 10 a.m. dedication will be a form of closure for some people. But even he has trouble holding back tears when asked about his friend.

"He and I got along very well," said Mr. Thomas, Glen Park. "He was fair with people. He certainly liked children and he was there to protect them. And he took it very seriously."

Mr. Johnson was dedicated to service, his friend recalled, serving five years in the Army and Air Force as well as being a life member of the Dexter Fire Department. In addition to his police service, Mr. Johnson was foreman of the Watertown Municipal Power Plant for four years.

The Fish Island Partnership, which is working to improve the 4.6-acre fishing site off Canal Street, put the finishing touches on the pavilion this spring.

Donald S. Rickett, the partnership's fundraiser, said more than $111,000 has been collected for the $144,000 project. Besides recognizing Mr. Johnson, the primary goal of the partnership is to create a fishing site and picnic destination that is accessible to disabled people.

The project recently received $500 each from state troopers, Jefferson County deputy sheriffs and city police associations to purchase two picnic tables for the pavilion and an engraved stone that will detail Mr. Johnson's legacy.

Mr. Thomas said the pavilion already has been the site of two weddings and a hot spot for picnickers, anglers and walkers. He said he is pleased by the thought that future visitors will learn about Mr. Johnson and his service to Dexter.

Mr. Johnson's daughter, Marilyn, and granddaughter Heather Bragger, Brownville, are expected to attend the dedication as well as the chief's great-nephews, Peter and Paul Heise. Peter, a sergeant in the Syracuse Police Department, will be accompanied by a contingent of his fellow officers. Paul is coming as a representative of the South Carolina State Port Police. The Rev. Leon I. Van Wie, who officiated at Mr. Johnson's funeral service, also will attend.

Mr. Rickett said he expects there will be a second ceremony for the project next year after all the money is raised and work completed. The project is most in need of donors who want to purchase engraved bricks. The price per brick is $50. For more information or to donate, call Mr. Rickett at 785-8872.