Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember this day so well, sadly. I had just spoke to him no more then a minute before this happened. I pulled away from where he was along with the later to be Captain, who was also wounded in this tragedy. I was 2 blocks away at the corner of Benning Rd & Minnesota Ave, when I heard gunshots and the yelling on the radio...the description of the vehicle. A vehicle sped by me as I was at the light driving on the wrong side of the road and turned south onto Minn Ave. NE. During this pursuit it was so difficult, naturally, to get on the air due to the calls for medical assistance... it didn't sound good at the scene as I pursued this vehicle. Luckily as I passed the McDonalds an off-duty saw me and joined in his POV to assist. When the pursuit ended with the vehicle pulling over and complying about a mile later, it ended up being eyewitnesses (who did not want to cooperate) to the shooting and not the suspect. By this time the radio traffic wasn't sounding good for Roberts condition.
Then the manhunt was on for seemed like days and days... we all worked on days off and so many extra hours from all the 7 districts to find the suspect. Showing me to this day how much MPD was a family...even from outside 6D and even outside MPD itself.
Robert's family,6D, MPD, the community lost a great man this day and I still tear up remembering all this. As so many mentioned... Robert's laugh was unforgettable... and his love of the Cowboys.
To me I remember his smile the most...it was genuine.
God bless you Robert, and keep smiling down on us all.

MPO Olszewski
Retired MPD 6th District

May 11, 2021

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 26, 2021

Officer Johnson,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the District of Columbia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 26, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Johnson. Exactly seventeen years to the day my father passed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2019

I remember Robert, when my father was VP at Morgan St. University. He had just taken the position and we had just moved from New Jersey. I was home from boarding school and was working at Morgan over the summer. I remember meeting Robert's laugh before I met him! Literally!
We were cleaning the office in the dorm and you could hear him laughing all the way down the hall. He was with a group of friends telling jokes and listening to music. We instantly hit it off and that was one of the best summers I can remember. Everyday at lunch time he had me near tears from laughing so hard from all his jokes and stories.
After the summer ended we stayed friends and one time he even took me to a public enemy concert in DC. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was this kid from Rhode Island and Robert was giving me a tour of the big city.

I didn't know Robert as a police officer, we hadn't been in touch in a while. I hate how I found out how he passed away. From a mutual friend at a Howard homecoming, years after the accident. I should of posted this years ago. For a short time, he was like a big brother. His personality was so big that in 2014 my memories of our friendship are still crystal clear.
To his family
my heart goes out you.
He was liked and loved.
He made many many many people smile.

respect to the profession
Rest in Peace Robert
You are missed!

Raymond A. Downs Jr.
old friend

December 17, 2014

I was at a young age when my uncle Bobby was taken away from my family but I can remember the day you left us vividly. I'll never forget the pain my father, his brothers, his sisters, and dear mother and father went through. You touched so many people in your short time here. I know you're here with us every day serving as a guardian angel.

Uncle Bobby, I want you to know you and my father are the most courageous men in my life and you are truly an inspiration. You are the reason I want to protect and serve my country and community. I hope to make you a proud uncle. I promise to carry on your courage and joyous spirit through my actions and career.

My prayers go out to your wife and children. I know they are making you so proud.

Kiera Johnson
Niece

April 4, 2014

I remember Bobby as a bright young kid. He was very quiet but a very fast learner. Bobby used to come to class with his best friend David Taylor. Bobby got his Black belt at 14yrs and then I registered him in Black belt tournament. Bobby said "are you sure I am ready?" I responded "No one is ever ready for unknown adversity, it's how you overcome obstacles that make you a winner. If did not think you were ready you would not be wearing my black belt," and smiled. Bobby won second place his first time as a black belt and gained instant respect in the karate community.

Bobby went off to college and I returned from
military duty. I was a Military Police. Bobby jokingly said "I would never become a police" laughing with that big smile everyone remembers; but then asked "how much do they make anyway?" I replied "It depends on agency's starting pay or your experience, but the military would be better because you can finish school, and purchase a home with VA benefits."

Bobby would introduce me to his girls for opinion, I would always say no.... Until one day invited to Morgan campus and induced me to this nice young lady, she had class. I could tell she loved Bobby. I told Bobby she was the one. He look at me and said really "I knew that (laughed). I just wanted to see if you would say no". Bobby married her. I didn't mention her name out of respect and for privacy reasons.

The next time I saw Bobby he was a D.C. Police working part-time for Zanzibar Night club at the SW Waterfront he said his family were doing well. That's all I want to remember.

To Bobby's Wife, children, Mother, Father and extended family stay blessed, Bobby was superstar in our lives. I pray that my Black Belt student Bobby's smile will always shine bright in the hearts of everyone forever. Bobby you will never be forgotten.

Det. William T. Gray, III
Kenpo Karate Instructor

January 14, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 24, 2012

Its been way to long my friend i was reminded last night from two other friends /officers retired from 6-D , you are a shinning star now and like all that knew you your laugh and big hearted smile I'm sure your badge shines bright in Heaven ...God bless you my friend all of us retired or current officers will meet you one day where you are i rest in the fact that your in a better place
God bless your soul.

Ofc David B.Wilson(ret.) mpdc 6-D

Retired mpdc 6-D
MPDC CO WORKER

April 28, 2012

It was one of the saddest day's I can remember. Miss Big Rob's laugh, and smile. Miss you Big Happy!!!

Retired-Officer
MPD, 6D, & Friend

April 27, 2012

Great guy. I smile whenever I think about him. I miss the arguments about the Redskins and Cowboys and his laugh.

Sgt. David Robinson
Supervisor

April 27, 2012

"BOB" was the most laid back Officer in our class, and I will never forget him. We had good times.

Officer Suarez
MPDC, Class member & Friend

April 27, 2012

You are still missed. I know you are in a better place and I get visitation from you once in awhile, but you have to be proud of your wife & kids. My sister is the image of the strength of God as she continues on. Bobby is on his way to Morehouse College on full scholarship and is a light skinned version of you. Ry is 15 years old and handsome. I am aware that all things do work for the good to them that love the Lord….but it does not dismiss memories, feeling felt, and the impressions you left in the earth.

Floyd Majette

Floyd Majette
Brother in Law

April 5, 2012

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

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

For Officer Robert L. Johnson, Jr.:

Our duty as police officers continues whether we are on-duty or off-duty. The responsibllity for keeping order and enforcement never ends for those dedicated to our life-style. Guardians of the public and centurions sworn to protect others encounter all types. The cowards are the most difficult, because they chose to seek revenge and strike from the shadows. It is the only way they have ever survived. It is why their life is pure hell.

We pray for the family, friends, co-workers and all who care about Bob. May they easily recall all the moments that he made a positive impression in their lives.

As a retired state trooper and former MPDC officer, I am proud to render Officer Robert Johnson a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennylvania State Police

October 25, 2009

"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

September 27, 2007

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Johnson, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
MPDC

April 8, 2007

Rob,

You are truly missed, you definitely were taken from us entirely too soon, and may the persons responsible, "ROT IN JAIL". Rob, I miss most of all, your loud laugh, and the heated discussion about those "Cowboys", and you and I riding our scooters in motor tact, 10-4, all over 6D. Say hello to, my Mom, Dad and Ms. Armstrong for me. Don't forget to thank her again for the Iced Tea, you loved so much. Up until her passing, she would always remind me of time we stopped pass her house that hot summer day and she gave us some homemade iced tea. Rob, you are definitely in a better place than all of us, and I hope to meet up with you someday.

Rest in Peace and Remember, "You ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN"

Ofc. King
The Old Motor Tact-15

Ofc. K. King
MPDC

July 12, 2006

To Officer Robert L. Johnson Jr., his loved ones and his fellow officers:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Bob, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Johnson. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Johnson gave to his community and the citizens of our country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 26, 1997.

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

April 26, 2006

OFFICER BOBBY!!
I STILL REMEMBER TO THIS DAY,WHEN YOU RAN INTO ME AND MY MOM,STRUGGLIN' WITH A ZILLION GROCERIES AND YOU TOOK US HOME,WHICH WAS NOT VERY FAR,BUT FAR ENOUGH WITH A LOT OF BAGS.I REMEMBER,YOU WERE VERY,VERY,VERY, FUNNY AND U HAD ME LAGUHIN'..I WAS LITTLE,BUT I REMEMBER THAT ABOUT YOU,AND ID ALWAYS ASK MY MOM,WHERE U WERE,CAUSE I THOUGHT U WERE THE COOLEST POLICE OFFICER.I THOUGHT THAT ONE LITTLE 2 MINUTE RIDE IN THE SQUAD CAR WAS SO EXCITING.IRONICALLY,I GOT A PAIR OF PLAY HANDCUFFS,THE DAY B4 THE INCIDENT,AND ASKED MY MOM WHEN WOULD WE RUN INTO YOU AGAIN.POLICE SEEMED SCARY AND UNFRIEDLY TO ME THEN,BUT YOU WERE NOTHING LIKE THAT.YOU WERE A VERY FUN,NICE MAN..WHO SIMPLY WORE A UNIFORM AND MADE SURE PEOPLE WERE DOING RIGHT.I FELT SO SAD AFTER WHAT HAPPENED,AND SCARED TOO.I CANT BELIEVE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED.I REMEMBER MEETING YOU AT ABOUT 7 OR 8 YRS OLD.NOW IM 21, AND I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT.THE FORCE,AND THE WORLD LOST A GREAT OFFICER AND FRIEND THAT DAY,AND I CAN JUST IMAGINE HOW MANY MORE KIDS WOULD HAVE LOVED TO BE AROUND AN OFFICER SO DOWN TO EARTH AND FUNNY, AND ENCOURAGING.WHEN I GET AROUND 6TH DISTRICT,I STILL THINK ABOUT THAT DAY,RIDIN HOME IN THE SQUAD CAR,WITH OFFICER BOBBY.YOU WERE TRULY KIND AND IT WAS EARTH'S LOST, BUT HEAVEN'S GAIN.

andrea

January 14, 2006

God bless the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Robert L. Johnson Jr.. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.

April 19, 2005

Officer Robert Johnson, it has been years since you left us to take a seat next to God. You have been truly missed by your brothers and sisters at 6D. Rob the place hasn't been the same, we miss your presence, your dedication, and love for your job, but most of all we miss that loud, heartfilled laugh that you so ofen graced us with. That laugh of yours made our tour of duty good ones. Thank you for coming into our lives and staying in our hearts.

WE MISS YOU, WE LOVE YOU
FELLOW OFFICER
WE LOVE, WE MISS YOU

June 9, 2004

06/08/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Johnson.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 8, 2004

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.  REST IN PEACE "INTERNATIONAL BOB"

LISA  A. NESBIT
METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPT. D.C.

My sympathy goes out too Mrs. Johnson , and the rest of the family. I was a very good friend of Robert L Johnson " Bob" , and I never got a chance tosay goodbye and it has bothered me since his death . I am also friends with his and a host of other friends that are police officers . When I hae the means too do so I will send a donation to OFFICER JOHNSON'S wife and kids.

Ms. Jean Evans