Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As I continue to read the articles and the reflections describing Sergeant Michael Johnson, it is without doubt that he was as big as a man can be. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the continued protection of his family, friends, community and country, for that he is a HERO!
To his wife and children, a great friend of mine, that has sinced passed once told me the statement below. I hope in your times of sorrow it gives you the same comfort it has given me.

"Remember to Smile and Smile to Remember"

Rest In Peace!

Special Patrolman
Williamstown Police

I have had the honor of being called Mike's Best Friend. Not only was he an outstanding Trooper, but he was an even better person-always smiling, always willing to help, and always the life of the party. When the job needed to be done he did it, and when it was play time there was no bigger kid than Mike. He was the backbone of his family, friends and community.

Mike was a hero to many people long before he paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve. Anyone who knew Mike knows that he was the best of the best. There are good guys and there is Mike Johnson. Mike has filled the lives of all the people he has touched in a profound way and we are all a little better off because of it. Please keep Mike's family in your prayers.

Mike, I know you're up there making new friends, keeping things in order, shooting hoops, and listening to Springsteen. You will always be my hero, and you will always be my best friend. I Love You Buddy! Bobby D.

Sgt. Robert DiGenova
Hudson County Pros. Off. NJ

Mike, We will never forget you! You remain an inspiration to us all! You trully are a hero and this community has lost more than some will ever know! From singing with the kds at church to a pick up basketball game, you knew how to live life and DID it! We are trully grateful for having known you as a friend!

G.M Private Citizen

My heart goes out to the family, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue of this fine man. Sergeant Johnson, may you rest in peace.

Lori Brown
Aunt of Deputy Renee Azure EOW 8/06/02

“It takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and an entire lifetime to forget them.” -Unknown.

There are just no words.......

I love you, big guy.

Uncle Bill

Mike's smiling face will have a permanent place in my memory. His endless engery and upbeat attitude will be my guide for the future.

Thanks, Mike, for making me feel like I was family. You will be remembered always. "Have a good night."

Donna

Dispatcher Donna Darling
Vermont State Police-St Johnsbury

Mike was one of the finest people I knew. I worked with Mike while he was based out of Rutland VSP Barracks Troop C. On or off duty, he was always willing to help others no matter the situation.
I spent hundreds of hours with Mike. He was very dedicated to his family, his job, and to the citizens of the towns he served.
We miss you Mike.

1st Constable Scott Bigelow
Killington Constable Department

REST IN PEACE BROTHER, FOR YOU HAVE SERVED YOUR STATE WITH HONOR. GOD BLESS

TROOPER RICH MATTSON
NEW YORK STATE POLICE

Hey Friend.!!!! You will be missed.....

Keri, Reilly,Grady and McKendrick God Bless.

L Moulton
VSP Rutland

"Arcs of Infinity"
(on the death of Trooper Michael Johnson, 6/15/03)

The heading stared from the vending machine glass, "Vermont Trooper Dies in Crash"

As I stepped from my car at the local coffee shop -- the type you visited as "The Mayor" of Bradford, VT.

It couldn't be you, the only Vermont trooper I know, the guy who always came up clutch in the last quarter!

A few quarters, and I tested the spring-powered door...

Then, beneath the newspaper fold -- you died again, one of your many deaths this day

A speeding car careening to elude your road block -- a defensive mismatch - hit you, not screened well enough . . .

Twenty years ago, we always screened well enough to get your jump shot off -- in an arc of beauty and grace, nestling in the basket.

In an instant you scored -- following the line of the ball.
In an instant you died -- following the line of duty.

Somewhere Supreme Power smiles at how we dispatch each other (recalcitrant children slow to learn), knowing from eternity that our destination will belie our route.

A few witnessed you ascend
As I did -- a thousand times from the coach's box, suspended artfully in a perfect release.
So I see you now, ball arcing toward basket -- infinitely.

Bill Warnken
Asst. Basketball Coach, Norwich University, 1978-1991

Bill Warnken
Norwich Univ. Asst. Bask. Coach, 1978 - 1991

May Sgt. Johnson rest in eternal peace. I pray for him, his family and all members of the Vermont State Police.

Chris McCarthy (Former Police Officer)
St. Petersburg Police

God bless you. May god look over your family, friends, and fellow officers. You wore your badge with honor. You made the ultimate sacrifice. You are a hero.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Johnson:

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure from reading about his years of service in the VSP, and reading the reflections here, that he has touched more lives than you will ever know. God bless and help you through this difficult time.

Anonymous
Mountain View, CO

Thank you so much for all the support and love we have received. Michael was a wonderful brother, and he leaves a legacy that we will try to live up to.

Rest in peace, Mike. You are a wonderful role model for us, and for our children. We will never forget you, and we will always be there for Reilly, Grady, and Mick. We love you.

Patti, Linda, Glenn, Matt, and Dan
siblings

Sgt Michael Johnsons family, co-workers, and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Officer Kevin R Turley
Jacksonville (Alabama) Police Department

As inscribed on an edifice at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth and the righteous are bold as a Lion".

God Bless you Michael and may God Bless your wife and children.

Semper Fi,

Chris Macaluso

Special Agent Christopher Macaluso
U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service

What an HONOR it was to attend the Service in Bradford (June 20, 2003) with a large group of Retired Troops.

My thoughts and Prayers go out to Kerry, kids, and family first - then to the Troops that were honored to work with and for Mike and then to friends and a citizenry in the loss of our Brother.

The following poem is very fitting. I took from my site and would like to Dedicate it to Sergeant Johnson and Troops and LEO's everywhere who place themselves in harms way for those they serve.

"I am the Trooper"

I have been where you fear to be,
I have seen what you fear to see,
I have done what you fear to do -
All these things I have done for you.

I am the person you lean upon,
The one you cast your scorn upon,
The one you bring your troubles to -
All these people I've been for you.

The one you ask to stand apart,
The one you feel should have no heart,
The one you call "The Statie,"
But I'm just a person, not to be hated.

And through the years I've come to see,
That I am not always what you ask of me;
So, take this badge ... take this gun ...
Will you take it ... will anyone?

And when you watch a person die
And hear a battered baby cry,
Then do you think that you can be
All these things you ask of me?

(Author unknown)

Modified by
Senior Sergeant Terrance D. Martin
Vermont State Police (Retired)

SSgt Terry Martin
Vermont State Police (Retired)

Attended your memorial today. Oustanding tribute to a fine man. Rest in peace and God bless your family.

Former VSP
E. Shirley

Trooper Eric Shirley
New Hampshire State Police

To the family of Michael Johnson-
My husband is a brother Trooper to Sgt. Johnson in the VT State Police. When we learned of his passing last Sunday, I was of course saddened but also incredibly grateful that my husband made it home to me and our daughter for Fathers Day. I am sorry that the same cannot be said for Mike's family. Michael was a special, one of a kind human being. He was more than his job; he was a kind, compassionate and free-spirited human being. Reilly, Grady and McKendrick, please know that your father was a hero in the truest sense of the word and although he is not here in the flesh, he will ALWAYS be here in spirit and you can reach out to him whenever you need to. Kerrie, keep your head held high and know that your husband was the best kind of human being. Do not mourn the years that you will never know together, but celebrate the ones that you had. Michael, my husband and the other Troops will forever carry on your legacy. Rest assured that you and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. We all love and miss you.

Britain Paquette

This Officer is the grandson of a Newark NJ Police Officer. You will always be a member of the NPD family.

Anonymous

You will never be forgotten and remembered as a Hero !!!
You rest in peace now and know we all of the Bradford community will watch over Kerri and the children, in there time of sorrow. May there be brighter days ahead for us.
To the family please know Mike touched many life lives and left many smiles.
May god Bless you all

Anonymous

Our heart felt condolence to the Johnson family as well as the Vermont SP Family. We have lost our share of good men and todays funeral brought back many memories...Never forget...

Trooper
Massachusetts State Police

My deepest condolences to Sgt Michael Johnson's family, friends and fellow LEO's. I am aware of the sacrifices and risks involved in law enforcement and there is no doubt that Mike was a true HERO. It is twice as hard in that he died on a day meant to honor and pay tribute to Dads everywhere. Because of the self-serving actions of a low life criminal, Father's Day will never have the same meaning for his wife and children. That is a tragedy all in itself. It is ironic that, just after hearing about this sad news on the radio last Sunday, I was driving down the road when my favorite song came on the radio: BEER FOR MY HORSES by Toby Keith & Willy Nelson. If ever there was an appropriate sentiment, that song is it! Here's to you, Trooper Johnson.."We'll raise up our glasses against evil forces..." REST IN PEACE...and THANK YOU!

R L Place
Appreciative Civilian in NH

Mike was a teacher/leader in life and in death. May we strive to live "the Mike Johnson way". I challenge everyone to be just a little more like Mike and watch your life fill with happiness and love.

Love you Mike.

Anonymous

I looked at my three year old Daughter differently tonight. I held her tight and I thanked Trooper Johnson. His sacrafice will forever be with me. Please, Please,Please, give your own children a hug tonight. Tell them that you love them, and when they are old enough, tell them of the sacrafice of the Johnson family. Trooper Johnson gave all ....His family will never be far from my thoughts. Rest In Peace...

Anonymous