Tragedy for Portland Police Department

The mood was somber as Chief Tim Burton and Westbrook’s Chief William Baker conducted a joint press conference at 11 AM, May 6, at Police Headquarters to announce that Sergeant Robert Johnsey, 37, a member of the Portland Police Department since August 1999, died last night at Maine Medical Center, as the result of an "accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound" to the leg. The gun involved was the officer’s Smith & Wesson semiautomatic service weapon. Baker called this type of event "the ultimate tragedy."

Burton said there is "extended trauma at the Portland Police Department. We all share a common bond and a common goal. When struck by these tragedies, we all feel it." He praised Johnsey as being a "kindhearted, solid family man who took his job seriously. He was a good man." Burton stated "On a personal note, this is a very tragic moment for us. We have lost a valued colleague and a good friend."

Johnsey was deployed to the Middle East in 1990 with the 143rd Military Police Company as part of his Army National Guard service, returning from active duty in April of 1991. He had extensive employment in the field of law enforcement before joining the Portland Police Department, having worked for the Connecticut Department of Corrections, the United States Department of Corrections, and as a Deputy with the Collier County Sheriff's Office in Florida.

Johnsey received numerous commendations, recognition, and letters of appreciation from the public during his service in Portland. He was an Honor Guard member, a Crisis Intervention Specialist, and a certified K-9 handler, named as supervisor of the K-9 Unit in December 2007. He was assigned to the Evening Directed Patrol Unit.

Detective Sergeant Robert Martin worked closely with Johnsey and mentioned his affinity for military history and battlefields, stating, "If they went to Pennsylvania for a vacation, they went to Gettysburg." Martin said "He was a good guy."

The officer’s wife Carol called 911 and officers from Westbrook’s police department responded to the crisis at the family's home. Chief Baker stated "The impact is significant for officers in Westbrook." Those officers "made a valiant effort" to save Johnsey by applying a tourniquet.

Johnsey had two children, a daughter, Rachel, who is twelve and an eleven-year-old son. It was reported that after learning of his dad’s death, his son Alexander Joseph, said "I guess I’m the man of the house now."

The flag at Police Headquarters has been lowered to half-mast and will remain that way until the day after Sergeant Johnsey's funeral.