Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your bravery, dedication and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

February 5, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 5, 2010

Van,
I was working West Traffic Division on that horrible night that you died. My partner and I were writing reports at Wilshire Station when we heard the officer needs help call. We were at scene within minutes and it seemed so surreal. We all felt such a sense of loss but I like to think that you died doing what loved doing. You are not forgotten. KMA-367

Sgt R. Alvarez
LAPD / Newton Division

January 28, 2010

THERE IS SO MUCH I WANTED TO TELL YOU WHEN I SAW YOU AGAIN. OUR BIRTHDAYS ARE COMING UP & I CANT HELP BUT FEEL THIS SPOT IN MY HEART THAT STAYS EMPTY. I PRAY TO SEE YOU IN HEAVEN SOME DAY; THERE WAS NO FEAR OF YOU BEING ANY PLACE ELSE.
I MISS YOU & I AM SORRY I MISSED THE CHANCE TO TELL YOU FACE TO FACE.

Anonymous

January 2, 2010

I AM TRULY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT VAN. WE WENT TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOGETHER. HE WAS MY FIRST "PUPPY LUV" BACK WHEN BOYS WERE YUCKY! AGAIN I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HE WAS NO DOUBT ONE OF THE SWEETEST PEOPLE I EVER MET.

TOLAYDO PHILLIPS

Anonymous

August 29, 2009

Watch over us as we continue to ride.

-Motor Brothers forever

Master Police Officer Justin Fleming
High Point Police Dept NC- Motor Unit

June 3, 2009

To the family and friends of Officer Van Derick Johnson and his fellow officers:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Van's memory on the 12th anniversary of the day he so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

Please know that the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement and police survivors will always be by your side on each step of the journey.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Van gave to his community and the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 5 1997

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasate

February 5, 2009

It is hard to believe another year has past. I think about you often and am still saddened that you were taken from us so soon. That day is burnt into my memory and still takes my breath away. I just wanted to stop by and let you know you are not forgotten and you will never be. God bless you my friend.


Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away.

Detective G. Russell
LAPD

February 3, 2009

Thinking about you today. I miss you bro. Sometimes thoughts of you sneak into me and sadness fills me. More often then not, the sadness is quickly replaced with a smile when I recall the fun times we shared. I can only hope you knew how much you meant to me. You were, and are, so dear to my heart. I miss you so much, we would have been "old timers' together now. But that wasn't meant to be. I love you Van. Continue to watch over us. Until we meet again........

Anonymous

November 12, 2008

Hey Van(BCMC) It's been 11 years since you left us. I still think of you and (Jim Beyea) everyday. I have your names on a bracelet that I wear on my wrist everyday. You and Jim are my guardian angels and watch over me as I patrol the streets. We had our 20th reunion last October at the academy lounge. We took a class picture, you and Jim were in the picture. It was nice seeing our classmates that were able to make it to the reunion. I miss you brother!! Keeping the rubber side down...HOORAAHH!! 10/87

PO2+2 Fred Yamamoto #25604
Los Angeles Police Dept

September 22, 2008

When I think back to the days of old, you are a part of them. You were a hell of a partner and an even better friend. We shared some good laughs, which are fondly recalled. You are not forgotten, and you are missed everyday.... How I wish you were still here. I miss you so much. Rest on, we are carrying on the fight.

An old partner
LAPD

February 5, 2008

"V. J.":

11 years (hard to believe). I still harass Your classmate (Rhonda).

I also still share Your story with the newbies....

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

February 5, 2008

I miss you boy, I can't believe how much time has passed. We had so much fun, back in the day. The day you left is still so much a part of me. Sometimes it is still hard for be to believe you were taken from us. But they say only the good die young....

You have not been forgotten, nor will you ever be. I keep you close in heart every day. I think about you and smile. My heart goes out to Felicia and your family today, I hope they find strength on precious memories.

Rest in peace my brother. You will never be forgotten


________________________________________________


If tears could build a stairway & memories a lane, I’d walk
right up to heaven and bring you home again.

A friend
LAPD

February 4, 2008

No farewell words were spoken,
no time to say goodbye,
you were gone before we knew it,
and only God knows why.

Gone yet not forgotten,
although we are apart,
your spirit lives within me,
forever in my heart.

Detective Gail Russell

February 4, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 4, 2008

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 1, 2007

I can't believe it has been 10 years, today. You are always in my thoughts, and your family in my prayers. I remember 2/5/97 like it was yesterday, I don't think I will ever forget. A piece of me left with you. I miss you my friend. I miss your smile, your silliness, and all the things that made you, you. God bless you my brother, today and always.

Detective Gail Russell
LAPD

February 5, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

February 5, 2007

Van I alway's loved you like my little brother. When you were a kid you alway's wanted a police career. I was proud the day you graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy. Rest in peasce Van.

Keith White
Former Police Officer CCPD

September 16, 2006

I was in west Bureau the other day and saw your picture on the wall. I miss you you my brother. I can think back to some times you, John and I had and smile. I have your picture on my desk, from one Christmas day when the three of us followed each other around til EOW. You were a terrific friend, and a great cop. I hope you know that you were always more then a partner, you were my friend and you were brother. Love you Van, I know you're still out there, watching over us.

Detective II
GR

January 21, 2006

Van -
Yours was the second police funeral I helped plan. I can recall standing on the grass at Rose Hills and seeing the almost never-ending double column of motorcycle officers heading our way. Since that day, every time there's an LAPD funeral there, I always see one or two motor cops seeking out your marker. You are missed.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

November 22, 2005

I miss you, you are the best "10-87"

Police Officer Rhonda Howard 25559
LAPD

November 16, 2005

rest in peace ofc johnson

skip roberson

August 16, 2004

Van,

I will never, ever forget you. You were the kind of officer that helped to make the LAPD what it is today.

I was very proud of you and even more proud to have helped you join the LAPD family.

Till we meet again my buddy!!

(PS...the AM/PM mini mart days were the best thanks to you.)

TFA 22401

Sergeant !! 22401
LAPD

August 9, 2004

Rest in peace, thank you for protecting us.

Police officer
VBPD

October 19, 2003