Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Investigator Johnston,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of El Monte. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 22, 2022

I miss Don very much.
I used to "Hot Fuel" him and Bob Muse in their R-44 Helo.
He convinced me to attend the Police Academy, which I did. I got hired by the City of Montebello but it did not work out for me.
I will never forget his good grace and spirit, as he was a great man and I will never forget him :-)

David K Stonecypher
Friend

January 16, 2022

Uncle Don, I was reminded of you today. You would be so proud of Eric - so many look up to him. I miss you and think of you often. In our hearts forever.

Candice Johnston
Niece of Donald Johnston

February 18, 2021

Thank you for serving the community and paying the ultimate sacrifice..

Recruit Viramontes LASD #433

Freddie Viramontes
LASD

September 16, 2018

Out of curiosity looked you up Don Johnston. Words fail me. I remember you as a young man with long hair playing your drums at a graduation party on the Queen Mary. Attended with our awesome friends, your mom and dad! Also remember that we let you use our Porsch to take Debbie to the prom. I know you were stoked!
Can't believe so many years have passed and that I missed the passing of your mom and dad. They were truly wonderful people! It's no wonder you turned out to be the awesome human being you were.
RIP Don

Penney Rimbey
Family friend

August 29, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. You are honored and remembered today the 15th anniversary of your E.O.W. Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

November 22, 2017

Thank you for continuing to honor my late husband's memory. Your kind words and heartfelt reflections of both Don and Eric truly mean the world to me and the entire Johnston family.

Ruth Johnston-Martin
Widow of Detective Donald Johnston

January 28, 2016

Sir,

I am a cadet at the Rio Hondo Police Academy. Our class was given an assignment to write about a fallen officer who graduated from the academy. When I saw your last name on the memorial, I quickly thought to myself, "I wonder if my R.T.O Johnston was related to you." I decided to write about you and realized you were in fact the father of my current R.T.O at the academy. After reading your story, I was inspired by it and your selfless commitment to law enforcement. Your son R.T.O Johnston is an excellent role model and individual. Since the first moment he arrived to the academy, we (cadets) and myself knew his presence. Along with all of his drilling, we could all sense his true passion for law enforcement and it continues to motivate us. I wrote to you today because I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your service and thank you for raising a strong man in R.T.O Johnston. He has had a huge impact on my time at the academy and not just because of his drill. I appreciate his instruction and dedication to help us cadets on this journey.

"Sometimes life isn't fair, but you make your decisions based on what life gives you."

This quote you said brings so much meaning to what my life has been.

Respectfully,

Cadet Petersen

Cadet Petersen
Rio Hondo Police Academy

January 18, 2016

I am a recruit in class 403 with the LA County Sheriff Department. Although I did not get to meet you, I was given the opportunity to work with your son while Volunteering for the EL Monte Police Department. Eric immediately took myself and my partner under his wing and taught us as much as he could. Many people still talk so highly of you Sir and do the same with your son. It is very clear that you were a great officer and a highly respected person. Thank you for your service, you will never be forgotten.

Recruit Nicole Lona
La County Sheriff

September 27, 2014

I never knew you sir but you went to high school with my dad. I saw you in his yearbook. Decades later I met your son Eric and became best friends with him. Thank you for giving me my best friend. Take care sir. I know I will meet you some day.

Bobby Martinez
Inglewood School Police

November 22, 2013

Twenty years ago Detective Johnston was assigned to training and made a decision to hire this kid! Tomorrow November 22, 2013 marks the 11th anniversary of his death! Everyday since his death and meeting him for the first time reminds me why I do what I do! Detective Johnston hired me and inspired me! The reason I became a helicopter pilot was because I saw your struggles when our program was in its infancy! Gone but never forgotten! I have the honor today of being partnered with your son, a Detective in his own right! May the legacy continue.

J. Girgle/Detective/Pilot
El Monte Police Department

November 21, 2013

My name is Cody Cowell and I am currently participating in the Los Angeles County Sheriffs academy Class #394 and we are still honoring and remembering Officer Johnston to this day. On Friday I polished his memorial plaque in his honor. He is greatly missed and his work and dedication is one of a man I look up to.

Police recruit
El Monte PD

June 24, 2013

Still remembering, still honoring. Thanks to your wife for sharing her memories of you and your love story. Both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest in Peace

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

November 22, 2011

It will be nine years this month since my grandpa has passed away. I miss him everyday, and always think of him and the wonderful memories we've all shared with him. He's my hero, and i will never forget him. He's now watching us from the heaven's above. Rest In Peace Grandpa Don , You Will Be In Our Hearts Forever.

Erika Johnston
Granddaughter of Detective Johnston

November 3, 2011

I remembered that day when I made the call to El Monte Police Department a few years back. I was on the phone the whole time observing and communicating the actions of the suspect to the policeman on the other side of the phone. When I heard the shots I let the receiver go and went to see what happened, The first thing I saw was Officer Johnston laying on his back, he had just been shot. I am always thinking, that, I should have been laying down in a pool of blood, Officer Johnston is my guardian angel as he was there for me the day he got shot. Thank you Officer Johnston.

Jose L Heras
Banker

October 13, 2010

I can't believe it has been twenty years since the shooting. We were so young and our life was turned upside down only after 5 months of marriage. So many people thought our marriage would not be able to survive the uphill battle of dealing with your paralysis. Not only did it survive but it grew stronger then ever before. I was so grateful to be by your side for 13 years. You were a wonderful and strong man that continued working as a peace officer. We were all very proud of you. We all miss you, but now you stroll the streets of gold. On this 20th anniversary I salute your bravery and the life that you lived with great honor and love for all.

Ruth Johnston-Martin
widow

January 29, 2010

On the 7th anniversary of Investigator Johnston's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Investigator Johnston is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

November 22, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th 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 commend you for still serving your community after you were injured many years ago. You certainly left a legacy of
determination, integrity, fighting spirit, and professionalism that I feel must have been inspirational to all who knew you. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 22, 2009

Rest in Peace, Investigator Johnston. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this sixth 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

November 22, 2008

rest in peace hero

vandenberghe
nh

November 29, 2007

On the 5 year date of your death, we are thinking of your family and friends, especially on this Holiday. You are a true Hero and will never be forgotten...

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

November 22, 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., Columbia, SC

August 28, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will never be forgotten.
Investigator Johnston, You are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem,Va

February 16, 2007

Thank you for all the beautiful tributes to my late husband. He loved being a police officer and
wore his badge with great pride. I witnessed my husband endure many painful and sleepless nights,but he still would report to work every morning. He Loved his career in law enforcement and was deeply saddened when he had to retire because of health reasons. In his final days he told me that he had finished the race and was ready to go home to be with the Lord. His life was a testimony to us all!

Ruth Johnston
officer Johnston's widow

February 2, 2007