Lynwood police officer Michael Johnson ran toward gunfire as he assisted Cook County officers at the scene of the Ford Heights murder

LYNWOOD, Ill. (WLS) – A patrol officer from Lynwood stood before the village leaders and his police department on Tuesday evening as a survivor and hero.

“Tonight we come together to honor the extraordinary bravery of Michael Johnson,” said Lynwood Police Chief Gregory Thomas.

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When honored for his bravery, Officer Michael Johnson said he was just doing his job.

“It's just something you do. Police work, just like any other job where you put your life on the line, is something you want to do,” Johnson said.

On June 29, Johnson was assisting Cook County sheriff's deputies at a crime scene in Ford Heights when, according to authorities, several suspects fired multiple shots in his direction.

“Out of the darkness they heard shots, multiple shots, sounding like fully automatic weapons,” Johnson said.

Johnson, risking his life, ran toward the gunfire and suffered a graze wound to the shoulder.

“Officer Johnson's actions that day reflect the essence of what it means to be a law enforcement officer: standing firm in the face of danger and protecting our community, no matter the cost,” Thomas said.

Johnson has been with the Lynwood Police Department for about a year, but already has a nearly twenty-year career in law enforcement.

Prior to serving as a police officer in Lynwood, he also served as a law enforcement officer for the communities of Robbins, Phoenix, the Forest Preserves, Dolton and the Illinois Department of Corrections.

“The Village of Lynwood will be forever grateful for your heroic efforts, but most of all, we are forever grateful that you are still here,” said Lynwood Mayor Jada Curry.

The veteran officer says that while the honor is appreciated, it is not the reason he does this job, but he is grateful to still be here to continue serving the community he loves.

“I'm not a person who likes to step forward. I prefer to stay in the background. I come out when I need to, but I'm grateful to be here at all and to be able to receive it,” Johnson said.