William “Bill” Johnson, the first African American police officer in the City of Zachary died Saturday, May 21.
Johnson’s life exemplified service. A U.S. Army veteran, he returned from the Vietnam War in 1973 and soon joined the Zachary Police department. He achieved captain’s rank before his retirement from the force.
He continued to serve the surrounding community through his leadership in the Zachary Men’s Club, and the Baker Lion’s Club, and the Magnolia State Peace Officer Association.
Zachary Mayor David McDavid remembered his fellow officer and friend.
“I worked 10 years with Captain Bill Johnson,” he said. “Captain Johnson did a lot for his community like starting neighborhood watch for the City of Zachary. He was the second officer in the history of Zachary Police Department to attend the FBI National Academy. He will be greatly missed.”
He served as a deacon at New Pilgrim Baptist Church and was active in the Evangelist and Outreach Ministry. The Rev. Derrick Williams was both his pastor and fellow law enforcement retiree.
“All of those accomplishments helped future generations and younger African Americans,” Williams said. “He was there – undergoing the scrutiny and the challenges of dealing with segregation and the Civil Rights changes that were being made – while having a willingness to help people who came behind in a tremendous way.”
Williams worked for 21 years for the Baton Rouge City Police Department, and he said he and Johnson had common bonds that transcended over into the work of the church. “He stood up for his pastor and he stood up for what was right,” Williams said. “I just appreciate him for that. He was just an al- around good guy.”
Johnson and his family made international news in 2022 when Danish pop singer and actress Zindy Laursen ended a 30-year journey to find her father. Williams said Johnson’s wife recalled her husband’s proudest moment was finding out he had a daughter who was able to visit New Pilgrim, sing there, and fellowship with her father.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria H. Johnson, of Baker; daughter, Zindy Laursen-Johnson, of Denmark; and his stepchildren, Kerry Gosa, Gregory Gosa, and Karen Breaux.
Viewing services are Monday, May 26, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Miller & Daughter Mortuary in Zachary. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at New Pilgrim Baptist Church
