Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rick, you are not forgotten, and you are very much missed. Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. You were the only man for your wife. Her love for you has never wavered. I know how proud you must be of your family. Your Son reminds me so much of you. His smile, attitude, and sense of humor is so much like you. When I am speaking with him it feels like I am speaking with you. Your daughter has grown up to be a beautiful person inside and out. They all love you very much. Your father and mother have looked out for your family and have been a mother and father to your wife and children.

You are never forgotten!
Rest In Peace….

BradFord Thompson

December 28, 2022

thank you for your service.

baleigh jezowski

December 6, 2022

Rest in peace Trooper Johnson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 1, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace on this your 20 anniversary in heaven

Mark Mottola

May 6, 2020

My mom years ago was pulled over by trooper Johnson while she was running late for her first day at a new job. My mom told me he was so nice and understood her situation and let her go without issuing her a ticket. A few months later we saw on the news that he was hit and killed I remember my mom being really saddened by it, almost like she had lost a friend. RIP trooper Johnson.

Brandon Mion

May 6, 2020

I'm going for my bachelor's in criminal justice and this semester, I'm taking a Victimology class at Madonna University. This week our assignment was to chose a fallen Michigan State Trooper, and I chose you.

I read nothing but wonderful things about you. You were truly a great person.

Madonna University Student

November 8, 2018

I remember this on the news. I was only 3 years old at the time but my heart was heavy. I grew up around law enforcement and idolized them. I now ride with the Michigan State Police on the same stretch of I-94 which is now dedicated to you in Van Buren County. You're sacrifice is never forgotten.

Student in Criminal Justice Spencer Stra

February 29, 2016

I'll never forget your smile and great attitude. Our time together on the Northside of Kalamazoo chasing down stolen cars in the middle of the night was one of the greatest memories I have dear brother.

Strength and Honor!
Todd Christensen, Kalamazoo Public Safety

Officer Todd Christensen
Kalamazoo Public Safety

May 6, 2015

Dear Rick, one evening when my son Ricky was very small he was asking who he was named after; so I told him. Then, he asked where you are now. We looked up into the night sky and found the biggest, brightest star and I said, there Ricky that is him; right there watching over us all. Ricky will often look up in the sky to find you and is certain that you look after him everytime he has a surgery. You have certainly had a very positive impact on his life...come to think of it, Ricky is becoming quite the master of the practical joke...hmmm, that reminds me of someone; uh oh!

Carole Heslp Touchinski
Family Friend

May 6, 2011

Merry Christmas, Trooper Johnson, to you and your family.
Thank you for your sacrifice.

May God's peace be with you this holiday season!

Trooper
Michigan State Police

December 14, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

May 6, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 9th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 6, 2009

My husband is about to graduate from the 121st. What's more, he'll be one of the new cubs at your post in just 2 weeks. Words can hardly say how full of pride I am... and fear. As hard as it is for me to read your story, which hits entirely too close to home for me right now, I think I needed it. Even to those who've never met you, your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. I'm sure you'll watch over this newest batch of cubs, and all your MSP family. God speed to you and your family, and thank you.

New MSP Wife

December 9, 2008

Even though this happened 8 years ago, it is still so sad to read about this
tragic accident. Trooper Johnson served proudly and was deeply loved and respected by those who knew him. It is a tragedy to lose him. We never know when our lives on this earth will end, but we can make a reservation in Heaven now and assure us a place when God calls us to Himself. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and He PAID the price for our sins on the Cross so we don't have to pay the penalty for our sins. Yipee! If we accept His payment by faith we can have salvation and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. It is not something we must earn, it is a gift. The most precious one we can ever receive. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith_and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God_not by good deeds, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. And our faith must be in God's only Son, Jesus Christ.
You were a credit to the uniform, Trooper Johnson. My heart goes out to your
loved ones left behind and may the Lord comfort them as only He can.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

October 7, 2008

You are not forgotten. Rest in peace, and peace to your family.

Kathleen Stiocker
Surviving sister of Gilbert T. Stocker, Detroit PD, EOW 7/31/1972

July 9, 2008

My brother and his wife were the first to come upon the scene. They held Trooper Johnson's head and comforted him with words. My brother told me he stared at the Troopers wedding band and it effected him deeply to the point he never wanted to know the fallen mans name. I found out through searching the MSP memorial site.

My brother often prays for the wife and family of the Trooper with no name, Iam glad he chooses not too know, for now his prayer is for all fallen Troopers.

I will keep my findings to myself until he is ready to know

R.I.P unkown Troopers

June 18, 2008

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 7, 2008

Honoring you on the 8th anniversary of your EOW. Time has not diminished
your service or sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 6, 2008

God Bless you and your family RL, 8 years after EOW. You are not forgotten.

Trooper 177
MSP 51

May 5, 2008

Hey Rick, Well the 111th made the hump, 13 years!!! I am sure you, Kevin and Anita are watching over all of us. You are never forgotten!!!

1507
111th Recruit School

February 23, 2008

Trooper Johnson R.I.P. Sir. God be with you and your Family.

VIPS
Alexandria Kentucky Police Dept.

February 15, 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

November 15, 2007

Rick,

We still tell the stories. We still look at your photos and shake our heads. We still remember. We still miss you and honor you.

Post #51

Trooper
MSP

July 21, 2007

Rick,

Just want you and your family to know you have not been forgotten. I remember the days when you used to come into Portage. It was a sad day when the law enforcemnt community lost you. I always liked knowing that I had you at the Paw Paw post to help me out. God Bless You. You are still missed Trooper Johnson.

Sgt. Brian VandenBrink
Portage Michigan PD

May 13, 2007

With thoughts of you on the 7th anniversary of your EOW. God bless you for not only the lives you touched,
but the lives you saved!
Lynn Kole
Washington State

May 6, 2007