Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Corporal Kenneth Jeffrey Johnson

South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, July 7, 2002

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Corporal Kenneth Jeffrey Johnson

Jeff, we think and talk about you always. I want to thank you for being there for me during my husband's near fatal(on duty) car accident. You were always at the hospital at the right time. You showed me "the ropes" on how to handle David's case. I was 2 1/2 weeks into recovery of a very serious surgery. I was sick as a dog and wasn't supposed to leave my bed. You were there for us in everyway. You would pick me up at my home and drive me to the hospital so I could be with Dave. Missy was always shocked when she heard that you had spent that much time in ANY hospital. She said you didn't like hospitals. But you were there for your buddy. It takes a lot for my hubby to trust people and consider them "real" friends. But, you and him created a very, very close bond. It was strong & real. Jeff, I remember the day that you called me at work. You were putting together a surprise get together for David at O' Charley's Restaurant. That was about six months after the accident. That night was the very first time that my husband smiled since the night off the accident. You called me again at work. It was about a month & a couple weeks later. You were setting up another surprise party for my husband. unfortunately, that 2nd surprise party never came to be.
I'm glad that I called him often to tell him how very grateful I am for all he has done to help out David Sr, David Jr. and during these difficult times. Hope 2 meet again....well, not2 soon. We love and miss you.
Pam Lyn

Pam Lyn
Family Friend

August 19, 2011

Jeff, we think and talk about you always. I want to thank you for being there for me during my husband's near fatal(on duty) car accident. You were always at the hospital at the right time. You showed me "the ropes" on how to handle David's case. I was 2 1/2 weeks into recovery of a very serious surgery. I was sick as a dog and wasn't supposed to leave my bed. You were there for us in everyway. You would pick me up at my home and drive me to the hospital so I could be with Dave. Missy was always shocked when she heard that you had spent that much time in ANY hospital. She said you didn't like hospitals. But you were there for your buddy. It takes a lot for my hubby to trust people and consider them "real" friends. But, you and him created a very, very close bond. It was strong & real. Jeff, I remember the day that you called me at work. You were putting together a surprise get together for David at O' Charley's Restaurant. That was about six months after the accident. That night was the very first time that my husband smiled since the night off the accident. You called me again at work. It was about a month & a couple weeks later. You were setting up another surprise party for my husband. unfortunately, that 2nd surprise party never came to be.
I'm glad that I called him often to tell him how very grateful I am for all he has done to help out David Sr, David Jr. and during these difficult times. Hope 2 meet again....well, not2 soon. We love and miss you.
Pam Lyn

Pam Lyn
Family Friend

August 19, 2011

9 years today dad, I cannot believe it has been this long. As I sit here writing you I have so much to say with not enough space to write. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't cross my mind, or a day I get in uniform that I don't think about and you and pray you look over me. I love you dad and I hope you meet me at the gates when its my time to come, until then look over us.

PFC N.Johnson
Son

July 7, 2011

Sir:

You changed my life the day you stopped me with a suspended license when you asked me if I wanted to be nervous every time a policeman got behind me. I straightened my life up as a result of the talk you gave me. Thank you Cpl. Johnson.

Tim Hamilton
None

May 25, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eighth 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you as I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 7, 2010

Going on 8 yrs. It still doesn't get any easier as I wish it would. I miss you dearly dad and wish so much that I could have you here. There is so much of me that reminds me of you everyday. As I sit here and read everyones reflections I can't help it but cry, only if they could really see the dad I knew. It kills me not being able to hear your voice anymore, I'm sad to say I forgot what it sounds like and I hate that. Not only did I lose my farther I lost my bestfriend. Ashton is getting so big dad its hard to believe she will be 15 this yr, makes me feel old. One day I will be there to hear your voice and be able to see you again. Watch over us daddy I love you

N. Johnson
son

June 4, 2010

Rest in Peace brother, You or your sacrifice will never be forgotten, Thank You.

Pfc. C. Davis
DCS0

April 24, 2010

Trooper Johnson, I visit this site very often to remind me the dangers of the job we do. I have 22 years in this job. Myself and all my partners have walked over to a vehicle many times to interview passengers during this type of stop, just as you did that day. I wonder how many people have thought about killing me at that instance. Probably a lot!! Average folks just don't realize the dangers of what troopers do. I wish every person would stop here and read these reflections and realize that we are human and that we have families and friends that love us very much. And that we are not unemotional, hard core, hard headed men and woman that hate everyone.
I have shed tears just reading your families comments. What can we do buddy?? Just keep reading about the heroes of this site, like you, and hope that God will give strength to the families. You must have been one heck of a Trooper and more importantly, and more importantly, and more importantly, A GREAT FATHER AND HUSBAND !!! Rest in Peace.

Trooper
N.C. Highway Patrol-Laurinburg N.C.

February 10, 2010

Nobody really understands to be in law enforcement ,every time you go on shift death is with you . every time we go on shift we know that today could be our last. But we do it because we get to help and protect so many people and there is no better feeling in this world than that .God bless the soul of this hero and I know that all of the many people out there that he helped and saved from being hurt or killed all thank him for his sacrifice also..

Kiwi
Dept of Corrections

September 22, 2009

Its been 7 long years now dad and we are about to go through the trial part again. Each day goes by and it kills me to not hear your voice, or knowing that when I get off work your going to be home. No one knows how good you were to me and ashton, you were and still are the best dad anyone ever needed. The big 21 is coming up in November, so the other day I did what I always told you I was going to do, filled out my papers for the patrol. You have no idea how hard it felt to fill it out with you not here beside me helping me, but who knows you might have been. All I ever wanted was for you to see my graduate patrol school, and my dream got taken away from me. No one understands how hard it is to learn everything on your own that your farther is supposed to teach you, but you did a great job dad while you were here. I love you dad, I will see you heaven.

Nicholas Johnson
Son

August 26, 2009

I Can't Believe it's Been 7 Yrs Since You Were Taken From Us..I've Been Remembering the Good Times and Trying To Be Postive and Not So Sad..We Love You & Miss You So Much..Jr & Paxton

Jr Johnson
Brother

July 7, 2009

Corporal Johnson:

You are most certainly remembered.
Thank You for having served "The Lowcountry."

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Michael B. Parlor

January 27, 2009

RIP.You will not be forgotten.

Anonymous

October 17, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero who will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 8, 2008

Hey Uncle Jeff,
I just wanted to let you know how much your missed and that I think about you all the time. You really looked out for me alot, and I will never forget it. I love you and hope to see you in heaven one day.

Jessica
Niece

February 12, 2008

It's hard to believe that you have been gone 5 years, my friend, I remember the last time I spoke to you, 2 weeks before you left. I wish I could see and hear you again, your southern accent and quick wit. You are missed.

Lt. P. Haynes (Retired)
Dept. of Defense Police

November 25, 2007

Hi Jeff, we became the best of friends in such a short time. Working with you was a joy. The thing I remember most is how you were so proud of your family. You were a good trooper and a truly good man. I say a pray for you and your family everyday. I truely miss you. Rest in peace

Retired SCHP D Lyn
SCHP Friends

October 1, 2007

You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service, Rest in peace.

Trooper
New York State Police

August 28, 2007

God Bless you Jeff & your family! Brave, Courageous, & Honorable. You're a true HERO! May you rest in peace dear cousin.

Erica Wilkes
2nd cousin of Jeff Johnson

August 14, 2007

I never got to meet him, but he was a great person! I'm terribly sorry for his family. I can't believe it's been 5 years already. Time surely passes by fast. I wish I could have met him, but I never did and I wonder why I didn't. I grew up hearing great things about him. I remember my mom & aunt telling me that Jeff pulled them over one day a long time ago when they liked to ride around town a lot. He didn't pull them for speeding or anything, just to talk. Again, I'm terribly sorry for Melissa, Nicholas, & Ashton. Also, to all of his close relatives.

Erica Wilkes
2nd cousin of Jeff Johnson

August 14, 2007

The loneliest place in the world is the human heart when your love and presents is absent from Nicholas, Ashton and I. I will and always forever love you and be your wife. Like you and I have always said to each other "Together forever". See you soon baby.

Melissa Johnson
Wife of Cpl. Kenneth J. Johnson

August 1, 2007

Jeff was one of the finest troopers I ever had the privilege to work with. I worked with Jeff when I was stationed in Charleston, SC from 1989-1997. It broke my heart when I read about this tragedy. I want his children to know what a great man and hero their father was. I can still see him laughing and joking as we payed basketball at Stratford High School on Sunday nights. I pray that his family is doing well now and that knowing there father was such a great man helps in some way.

Michael Capell
Former SC State Trooper and friend

July 18, 2007

"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.

July 11, 2007

Five Years have passed and It still seems unbelievable to me..I salute you my Brother for your Courage, Dedication
to the SCHP and your Family and the way you lived your Life..I never told you but I am so PROUD of you..Gone but Never Forgotten..We all Love and Miss You..Jr

Jr Johnson

Jr Johnson
Brother

July 7, 2007

God speed my brother. You and your family are in our prayers.

trooper
Kentucky State Police

July 7, 2007

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.