Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Would see Derrick at Wilshire Station from time to time. Nice guy and very personable. Sad day in L.A. the day this newlywed lost his life. May GOD bless his wife. Ironically, I was watching an episode of the " NEWLYWED" Game that aired back in 1997, featuring Derrick and his wife, just b4 he was killed in the motor accident. Praying for the repose of his soul.

P-III TYRONNE ALONZO ROUEGE'
LAPD- Fellow Officer

April 23, 2024

So sad. I worked CHP Central LA and worked with LAPD both motors and car COPS in 1972. Great bunch of guys. My son Ryan was LAPD 4 years at Foothill Div. LAPD deserves our prayers. God Bless this brave Motorman.

State Traffic Officer 7185
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

February 5, 2024

I just watched you and your wife on the old show “newlyweds game”. She and you were so funny, affectionate and in love. Sorry for the lost. It’s been over 20 years but your memory lives on in the many lives you’ve touch. God bless your loved ones especially your wife, Felicia.

MickeyD

October 11, 2023

Officer Johnson,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 5, 2022

Van was in my motor class in 10-94. Motor school was at Ontario airport back then. We were all there at zero dark thirty & met each other in a large circle. Most of the talk was about how much practice we got in & if we were going to make it. When we got to the track Van was one of the best riders we had. Van & Hank obviously had gotten in some saddle time. Most of the rest of us had some struggles along the way & we washed out about 4 or 5 guys. Myself, Frank, John, Hank, Van, Ulysses, all got transferred to south bureau traffic. I spent my first year on a motor at STD & it was a great time. All the supervisors were really great to work for & all us new motors were happy to go to work. I cherish the time I had working down there with Van & Hank. One of my biggest regrets is not telling the people I worked with how important they were/ are to me. Please guys & fellow motors take time to tell your partner how important they are to you & give them a big hug. To the Van Johnson family I wish you peace & happiness & know he will never be forgotten. Godspeed motor brother Van Johnson.

Rich Prindle P2+2 motors
Lapd retired

December 15, 2020

Thank you for your service and rest in peace, Van. We love and miss you dearly, but truly believe we will see you again one day. Brenda and Staton Gibson

Sergeant and Retired Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

May 2, 2019

A little late.. But you're not forgotten today or ever. I miss you and still have your photo on my desk w/our brother John. He's with you now too. I love you boys and know we will meet again. Rest in peace my brother.

D3
LAPD

February 7, 2018

Van, that's it brother I'm done as of 01/31/2018. I miss and think of you and Jimmy everyday. Thank you watching my back and being my guardian angel as I completed my career. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Pray that all of the active Officers get to their retirement date and can look back with pride of a job well done. GOD bless. Rest in Peace.

Class 10/87!!

PO 2+2 Fred Yamamoto #25604 (Retired)
LAPD retired, Classmate 10/87

February 5, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 5, 2018

Hey Van it's our 30th today. Miss and think of you and Jim all the time. Rest in Peace. 10/87!!

P 2+2 Fred Yamamoto
LAPD Central Traffic Detectives

October 13, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 21, 2017

GOD BLESS. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE UNTIL WE ARE ALL REUNITED

SENIOR CHAPLAIN FRANK HICKS
LAPD

February 5, 2015

To Felicia Miller, Family and Friends of Officer Van Johnson:

It has been 17 years today since Van was taken away from us far too soon while protecting and serving the citizens of Los Angeles. Today, in all West Traffic Division roll calls, Van was remembered for the hero he was and will always be. To Van, our brother, rest in peace and please continue to watch over your fellow officers in the motor corps who bravely continue to carry out the mission for which you made the ultimate sacrifice. To Felicia, family and friends, we continue to pray for your well being as you continue on with life's journey knowing that we all have been blessed to have had a hero like Van touch our lives.

Captain Rolando Solano
LAPD West Traffic Division

February 5, 2014

Thank you for your service brother. It is obvious by the past reflections, left by your fellow LAPD officers, that you were well liked and are missed. Please watch over us.

Sergeant
Mashpee, MA Police Department

February 5, 2014

Thinking about you today, and every day. I stopped by to visit on your birthday and eI still keep your photo on my desk, after all these years. You will never be forgotten and you are missed every day. Rest easy my friend......

Detective
LAPD

February 5, 2013

Van, here we are 25 years! I miss you and think of you often. Motor cops have a special bond as do classmates. I'm still riding but we are on BMW's a lot better than the Kawasaki we started on. Keeping the rubber side down. Its a real comfort knowing that you and Jimmy are watching over me/us as we continue our duties in our chosen profession. Rest in Peace.

Class 10/87.

PO 2+2 Fred Yamamoto #25604
Los Angeles Police Department

October 11, 2012

I will never forget you, no way. You were by best friend.

You helped me get thru the academy.
You taught me how to ride a motor.
I still live in the house you sold / gave me..
16 years now, dam....

See you on the over side kid.

P2+2
LAPD

August 1, 2012

Thanks for your 9 years of services.

David

February 22, 2012

I can't believe another anniversary has past. It seems like just yesterday. I think about you often, I keep a photo of you, me and Johnny-Boy on my desk and stop by to visit your grave regularly. You are missed and will never be forgotten. Peace and blessing...

D3
LAPD

February 10, 2012

When a loved one becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.

A friend

December 12, 2011

Rest in peace Motorman!

Sgt Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Trafic & EscortUnit

December 10, 2011

To this day, whenever I see news about fallen LAPD officers, I am instantly transported back to the early days when I was assigned to WTD for a short period of time. I still can recall some of the motor officers coming through the office but I remember you the best because you were very professional, friendly, and had that presence which caught my attention. I was very saddened when you were taken up so young and I will never forget the funeral in which there were so many people who came to pay their respect and honor you. Although I did not know you, I always remember you as one of the greatest motor cop ever to grace the LAPD.

PCP II Efrem Samarin
LAPD

July 20, 2011

Rest in Peace, Officer Johnson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 22, 2011

Stopped by your grave the other day and paid you a little visit. Sure do miss you brother. Just wanted you to know that you are have not been forgotten.

D3
LAPD

February 4, 2011

Rest in peace motorman.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept

July 20, 2010