Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Merry Christmas, Michael. I'd give anything to see your smiling face this Christmas as you opened yet another pair of sweatpants. I love you, I miss you more than words can ever say.

Patti
sister

December 25, 2003

Merry Christmas Michael and Happy Birthday too!
If I could have only one wish this Christmas.......
I miss you so much!!
Love You!

One of many, many friends

December 21, 2003

Michael Belated Happy Birthday.... Miss you....

Anonymous

December 19, 2003

Happy Birthday Mike:

I remember so well the day you were born, can't believe its 40 years. We miss you so much, like my brother I can't imagine how Kerry and the kids feel. Your Dad tells me he loves me all the time now and I tell him I love him back. We always loved each other but never said it before. Some things are good.

Uncle Bill and I have the same feelings, we hurt so much for everyone. We just can't understand how your brothers and sisters feel because we feel so lousy.

I had thoughts of when you used to ride with me occasionally. I always got a kick out of the culture shock you had coming from rural Vermont to Big City Police Work. You always wanted to learn but then thats how you were.

Happy Birthday and love to everyone.

Uncle Don

December 13, 2003

Happy Birthday Buddy,

You're often the first person I think about when I wake up, and you're with me through most of the day. There is often reflection of the great times we've shared in our lives, but still a deep sadness that you're not here. That is the effect that a best friend and a great person has on your life. I'm looking forward to seeing your family over the holidays in beautiful Vermont.

Love ya Pal,

Bobby D.

December 13, 2003

Every morn when I awake
I think of the smile upon your face
And soon my thoughts return me dear
To happier times when you were here
Singing songs with joys embrace
There is simply no one that could take your place
For now you’re gone and sorely missed
Why oh why did it have to be like this?


Happy Birthday Mike! I miss you so very much!

Anonymous

December 11, 2003

Happy Birthday Mike. I miss you so much and think about you every day. I come to this website all the time, only to see over and over again how much everyone loved you and how much you loved them back. I’ll always regret that I didn’t get to see you very often, but you'll always be in my heart. I love you and miss you.

Melissa Johnson
Cousin

December 11, 2003

Mike,

We miss you so much and think about you each and every day. Not a minute passes when your memories do not fill almost every emotion we know. We are here trying to be what you have taught us all to be.... Happy.... Somedays are harder than others but with the strength you showed us we will begin to heal. We love you so much.... Happy Birthday...

Chrissy, Glenn, Chelsea, Alyssa, Andrew, Tiffany....

December 11, 2003

December 11, 2003

Mike,

Today should have been your fortieth birthday, but that was just not to be. Your life was cut much too short, for reasons that we, mere mortals, at least those who loved you, simply cannot understand.

Everything has changed. We who loved you will not ever be the same nor will our lives be the same. Even those who did not know you but have read the reflections on the ODMP have been affected.

A lady I had never met before walked up to me after your memorial service and said:

"You're Mike's Uncle Bill, do you mind if I hug you?"

How could I refuse?

We hugged and cried together for I don't know how long. I am sorry to say that I don't remember her name but I will remember her for as long as I live. I learned later that she was a Vermont State Trooper.

That is the effect you have had on people.

I am only an uncle, so I can not imagine what my brother and his wife, Kerrie and your kids, Patti, Linda, Glenn, Matt, and Danny and their families are thinking of or feeling today.

The only thing I do know is that we all miss you terribly.

I look forward to the day we meet again and once more you give me that great smile and a big hug and say again the last thing you said to me:

"I love you, Uncle Bill!"

I love you too, Big Guy!

Uncle

December 11, 2003

Happy Birthday Mike!!!! How you would have loved all the ribbing you
would have gotten this year on your 40th birthday!!! You would have
taken it and run with the ball!! Miss you so much!! God bless you!! Love
you!

David and Sandy
friends

December 11, 2003

Happy birthday Mike. A day dosnt go buy were I dont think about you. Your B-ball team opened up tonight and I would still give anything to see you patroling the sidelines teaching the game you loved. We love you and will always be there for the kids and Kerrie. Have a good cigar with uncle Bob today. Love Bro Glenn

Glenn Johnson
Brother

December 10, 2003

I come here often, just to look at your smiling face. To again see a picture of you in uniform, doing what you loved to do. I love to read what your friends have to write to say about you. I miss you so much, time has not eased the pain for me. I miss not being able to pick up the phone and say hi.

Happy 40th birthday, Michael. I would have loved to been able to call you and tease you about being 40 today. I know you still would have reminded me I was your older sister. I love you.

"Annie"

Patti

December 9, 2003

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!!!!!!

YOU ARE MISSED.

A friend in Rutland
VSP Rutland

December 8, 2003

It is a bit chilly outside and the whistles are blowing in the gym. Squeaky sneakers quicken pace as the basketball season opens. I'm a college basketball coach now because of your special frienship that embraced me in high school. I was not a good player, but so proud to be your friend. I took pride in guarding you in practice every day and more pride in saying "Mike, Glenn and I are going...". My life's friends are due to your interest in having this hick from Fairfield hang around you and Bobby Myers. Every day I am coaching, I think of what you gave me. Your birthday is approaching, and I can't help but instill your sense of friendship and honor in our team. It was the most important part of being your teamate. I hope that you have a happy birthday above and I assure you as it gets colder outside and the squeaks move faster, I will ensure the warmth in my team's heart as you have in mine. Love, Your Friend.

Brett Adams

November 30, 2003

Happy Thanksgiving , Mike!!!

Sandy
friend

November 28, 2003

I remember the day quite well, I was in the NH full time Academy. Hearing the story, feeling the shock, and now reading about the impact you had on so many from so far made me realize that a true hero has passed. My desire to serve my community was increased 10 fold when I heard that somone so close was taken so fast, and taken while doing what he did best, being a friend, a leader, a father, and a brother officer. To his family, as you see even those who have never shared a shift nor an experience with Trooper Johnson can learn and yearn to take the great steps he has taken to help make this place a bit safer.

Ptlm Jette
Winchester NH

November 24, 2003

Mike,

You were such a great person. It makes me sick to know that the person who did this to you is claiming innocence. You made the world a better place and it is hard knowing that you are no longer here. The community, your friends and especially your family miss you greatly. Life is moving on but we are finding it hard to let go. You are in a better place, one where you are loved by all and know one can hurt you. We know you are watching over us and making sure we are okay. We love and miss you. One day we will meet again.

Michelle
Friend

November 21, 2003

Sarge -

It was only after that day that I came to know you through your wonderful family, friends and fellow Troops.

It was only after that day that I found out what I had lost.

Rest in peace, and know that you made a difference.

524

Trooper
Vermont State Police

November 19, 2003

Slán agus beannacht leat. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!
Slán go fóill. Cead Mile Failte!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside POlice Department, California

November 18, 2003

5 months now, Mike. Doesn't get any easier........you are loved so
much!!

Your friend Sandy G

November 18, 2003

Five months ago today we lost you. I still wake up every morning hoping it was all a bad dream. I still find myself looking out for you-on the road, at school, everywhere. They say it gets easier with time. I don't think it does. Looking into your childrens' eyes, I see so much pain. I never truly hated anyone as much as the man who has taken you away from us. He will never know just how many lives he affected by committing this crime of murder on Michael. Yes, life does go on, but I will never get over this. I am not a family member, just a close family friend. Imagine how it feels to be family. Michael-I miss you so terribly much. I miss your teasing, your humor, your genuine caring. As the months and years go by, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you buddy!!

A Friend

November 15, 2003

Four months now..........summer has gone...fall,nearly gone.....the
holidays approaching......it seems like only yesterday we lost you, Mike.
I still can't read many of these..just pick a few as I visit this sight.you
would be amazed at all those you touched...those you didn't even
know.We are soooo proud of Kerrie, Reilly, Grady, and Mick. Know that
we are here for them always. Love ya Mike!

Sandy Gilderdale
friend

October 15, 2003

Almost 4 months ago Bradford lost a great man . He wouldn't like us calling him that though. He was doing what he loved, his job. We deeply miss your presense, seeing you with your kids at the local eatery's! At least now more people truly can understand some of what officers and there family's sacrifice. Bradford will always remember that big man, large grin and huge heart. Godspeed to his wife and family.

Anonymous

October 10, 2003

O Lord, give rest to thy servant, Sergeant Michael Johnson, for his tour of duty has ended. Grant him rest among Your saints where there is no pain or suffering. Forgive him his trespasses. Accept, O Lord, all prayers offered by his family, friends and fellow peace officers for his repose and for the welfare of this wife and children. Give his wife and children courage, peace and comfort to survive thier painful loss, and to Sergeant Michael Johnson's fellow Vermont officers give them safety and protection of your heavenly angles. May Sergeant Michael's memory be eternal. May his soul rest in peace.

Deput Chief Andrew Egres
APS

October 7, 2003

Another hero has made the ultimate sacrifice, spilling his blood so that our children might grow up in a better, more fertile world.

Godspeed Sergeant Johnson. May your family find comfort and peace in these days.

SPC Katz
MEARNG

September 8, 2003