Vermont State Police, Vermont
End of Watch Sunday, June 15, 2003
Reflections for Sergeant Michael Walter Johnson
I send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-worker of SGT. Johnson..May God bless and help you get thru this difficult time..Take some comfort in the fact that he was doing what he loved..being a Trooper..a HERO..
Jr. Johnson - Brother
SCHP Trooper Corporal Jeff Johnson EOW 7/7/02
Jr. Johnson
i would like to express my sincere sympathy
to the johnson family our prayers and thoughts are
with the family
sincerly
the Duby Family
justice will be served
Anonymous
May you rest in peace, and may God watch over and comfort your family in this time of darkness.
Shantel Smith (former Trooper)
Kansas Highway Patrol
i did not not know sargent mike, but the words of his friends and family are so
strong that i know in all seriousness, he is a true super trooper.
Anonymous
I would just like express my condolences to all of Sgt. Johnson's family and friends. I too lost my father a year and a half ago. Although my circumstances were different the pain is no less. For Sgt. Johnson to lose his life in such away as this is just a reminder that he was willing to sacrifice his life for his duty to the public. May he rest in peace.
Lisa Blodgett
Mike: We have put you 10-42. You are all set.
AL HOGUE Dispatcher
VSP St. Johnsbury
It was with great sadness that I read of Sergeant Johnson's death. I am a 40 year old, Sergeant with two young children and it hits home when you read of such a tragedy. My family visits Vermont frequently, and I have assisted members of the Vermont State Police on thier visits to Washington.
Please know that I am thinking of Sergeant Johnson's family and the fine men and women of the Vermont State Police. I only wish I could have attended the service to show my support and to represent my agency in sending our condolences.
Sergeant
Metropolitan Police Washington, D.C.
Although I didn't know Sgt Johnson, I, as a life-long supporter of police officers everywhere, am appaled and disgusted at the loss of yet another officer. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Sgt Johnson. I live in Buffalo, New York, and 7 1/2 months ago, the Buffalo Police Department lost an officer, and he was a friend of mine, so I understand your pain. I hope the following poem can bring you some comfort.
The policeman stood and faced his God
which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass
Step forward now policeman
How shall I deal with you
Have you always turned the other cheek
To my church have you been true
The policeman squared his shoulders
and said no Lord I guess I aint
Because those of us who carry badges
Cant alwyas be a saint
I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was tough
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the streets are awfully tough
But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmaly tears
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear
If you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand
I never expectted or had too much
But if you don't..........I'll understand
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the polceman waited quietly
For the judgement of his God
Step forward now policeman
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets
You've done your time in hell.
I wish all my sincerest condolensces to the family and friends of Sgt Johnson.
Amie E. Larish
Buffalo, New York
Troop - May God Bless You and Your Family!
Anonymous
YOU PAID YOUR DUES WITH YOUR LIFE FOR WHAT YOU BELEIVED IN....."HELPING OTHERS".
OFFICER LOWE
MEMPHIS POLICE DEPT,TN
YOU PAID YOUR DUES WITH YOUR LIFE FOR WHAT YOU BELEIVED IN....."HELPING OTHERS".
OFFICER LOWE
MEMPHIS POLICE DEPT,TN
God Bless The family, friends and fellow Troopers of Sergeant Michael Johnson. The road that follows wont be easy but remeber you have "Family in other states" Rest easy brother for you are now in a better place. You will not be forgotten.
Trooper Richard M DeLucie
New York State Police
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall gently upon your field
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand
God bless you and your loved ones
Ret/ Sgt AJC
MCSD NJ
REST IN PEACE BROTHER...YOU ARE NOW WALKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LORD...YOUR WATCH IS OVER AND WE ARE CONTINUING YOUR WATCH..........
CPL FERMIN
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE,NC
God bless and watch over you brother.
My deepest sympathy to the Johnson family and
Sgt Johnson's coworkers.
Officer M Mulroy
Oceanside Police
We have fond memories of Michael in New Jersey as part of the close knit playmates of Johnsons and Untersees. Remember, Skip and Marilyn, how Dr. Phil would remove Mike's casts. That name has stuck and everytime we say"Dr. Phil" we'll say a prayer for you and yours. We are with you in spirit and wish we were there to hug all of you.
You have every reason, within your sorrow, to be proud of this fine young man. We know he is now resting in the peaceful arms of God. With all our love, Phil and Mary
Phil and Mary Untersee
Long time friends of family
"I Am Still Here
Please don't mourn for me
I Am still here, though you don't see me
I Am right by your side each night and day
And within your heart I long to stay
My body is gone but I Am always near
I am everything you feel, see and hear
My spirit is free, but I will never depart
As long as you keep me alive in your heart
I will never wander out of your sight
I Am the brightest star on a summer night
I will never be beyond your reach
I Am the warm moist sand when you're at the beach
I Am the colorful leaves when fall comes around
And the pure white snow that blankets the ground
I Am the beautiful flowers of which you are so fond
The clear cool water in a quiet pond
I Am the first bright blossom you will see in the spring
The first warm raindrop that April will bring
I Am the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine
And you will see that the face in the moon is mine
When you start thinking there's no one to love you
You can talk to me through the Lord above you
I will whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees
And you will feel my presence in the soft summer breeze
I Am the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep
I Am the smile you see on a baby's face
Just look for me, friends
I Am everyplace"
To the family and friends of Vermont State Trooper Sgt. Michael Johnson:
My children and I send our deepest sympathies. We are so very sorry to learn of your trajedy. We know no words will ease your sorrow but please know that so many people have you in their thoughts. People you don't even know are praying for you and that is a tremendous thing in today's world.
Peace be with you. God Bless & take care!
Stacey, Nate, & Joe
Windsor, Vt
To Sgt. Mike Johnson and Family- Mike's face will forever be missed. Everytime you would see him, he always held a smile on his face. I remember the last time seeing him was last week, meeting his family while on duty just to buy his children ice cream. The joy of seeing their dad was the most rewarding look on their faces. Rielly, was so into her dad, i coached Rielly last year for her first year of softball. Mike would come to the practices and work with not only Rielly but the other girls too. He was so into the youth, and making them be better people. He always showed such great interest in children, and their futures. especially with basketball. I can remember him telling my cousin shawn that he was going to go somewhere for playing basketball. Just words of incouragement to a student or even someone being pulled over for simply running a stop sign, he always held his head high and smiled. Mike always made the community a place where you wanted to live and where you wanted to be. He will always be remembered! God Bless Kerry, Rielly, Grady and McKendrick. No officer will fill the shoes of Sgt. Mike Johnson (ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG)
Emily Shumaker
citizen
Every good and true thing is given to us from God, and in you, God sent an angel. To the family you leave behind, our deepest condolences during this tragic time. Do not mourn the death, celebrate the life. Sergeant, you leave the hellish beats of Earth, to patrol the Gates of Heaven.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Mt 5.9
United States Army Military Police Corps
Sarge,
Rest easy my brother, we have it from here
Trooper Michael Koscielniak
Vermont State Police
To the wife, children, family, friends and co-workers of Sgt. Johnson may God bless you and comfort you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Sgt Johnson.
Shirley Rock
Mother of Undersheriff Matt Lane EWO 5/30/03
To the family and co-workers of Sergeant Michael Johnson - be strong and remember that Michael will watch over us. ". . . And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your Heavenly Force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of men."
Trooper Kevin F. McMahon
New York State Police
Silent Agony
Celebrating a hero’s life,
left alone, no longer a wife.
My son is now a hero’s son,
forever He’ll be the only one.
Tears that fall
waterfalls of tears,
How can this be?
There just weren’t enough years.
I have a new title it’s “widow” now,
I don’t want to speak it, but it’s true somehow.
Can’t go into our room, he’s not there,
How can God do this? It’s just not fair!
I feel Isolation when in a full room,
I wish this were over, please God make it soon.
The killer sits in cold jail cell,
Anxiously awaiting his trophies in Hell.
Lord help me forgive and to forget this day,
I wish he were back, that there was a way,
To tell him how I have missed him so,
To hold him ever tighter and never let him go,
To be held in his arms while I scream and cry,
No one else can do this, and they don’t understand why.
All the arrangements are making me numb,
All of this suffering because of a gun,
Placed in the wrong hands of death and hate,
And fear and blindness that killed my mate.
But such is the life of a Policeman’s wife,
Or so at least I am told,
We send them out to protect land and life,
and expose them to dangers untold.
If I could change just one tiny thing,
I’d give my life you see,
For killers to stop, and crime rates to drop
In the land of the brave and the free.
(reflections of my sister's emotions, the wife of officer T. Zeppetella)
Officer Tony Zeppetella's sister-in- law
Remembering and never forgetting Mike --- a good kid, fun to be with. As a man grown --- a happy, kind, thoughtful person who treasured his family. Mike was and always will be an extraordinary example of what a good guy is all about --- an integral part of his family, an example to all with whom he came in contact and an asset to his community. When time begins to heal our hearts, we will not be able to remember him without smiling. To leave a legacy of honor, love, joy and integrity is to have lived a full, rich life. I only wish it hadn't been ended so soon.
Aunt Barbara
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