Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Dane Ray Johns

Williamson County Sheriff's Department, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, July 26, 2004

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Dane Ray Johns

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Johns.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 26, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

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

July 26, 2018

Deputy Johns's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 2-10-18 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police (IL)

February 10, 2018

Dear brother,
So many of you have come and gone since you left us on that day. Each time my phone goes off it seems like I get that same sense the day you left us. To see the senseless acts of killing our brothers in arms each day is so very sad. But to know that you are with them all telling them all your stories, jokes and the main thing you watching over us all!
We'll continue the fight until the Lord cal us home and then we'll be together again..
Comfort your babies who I've watched through pictures and seen with my own eyes grow into such beautiful children. I know that you are very proud right now.
Until we meet again!
Salute to you and all the other soldiers who've lost their lives. You have left us for a better place.

George Reed
John A Logan Campus Police

November 16, 2016

Dad, I hope wherever you've ended up is right for you. I hope that one day this will get better but you know I'm not really the kind for false hope so I remember and reflect all the good memories and try to talk to you every Thursday I get the chance. I hope you hear me. You are my god and my father. I hope one day I will become half the man you one were.

I love you dad.

Kaiden R. Johns
Son

August 20, 2015

That was one of the saddest times in my career. Such a steady, funny guy. He loved showing folks his gun vault and restored military vehicles, and pestering his kids. We were planning a family BBQ that summer, but never got it done. He is greatly missed to this day.

Sgt. J.J. Wittenborn
Illinois State Police - retired

July 27, 2015

When Dane was appointed the K9 position he was overwhelmed. He came to me after going to school and asked for my help knowing I was a handler in the Air Force. Sure my response, we would work almost every day after his shift. He wanted the best Drug Dog in Sourhern Illinois was his words. My kids would help hide training aids until dark. He was getting calls from all over for his assistance. He always came thru for them and was a great representive of the county. He wanted to be the best at whatever he did in life. And was to the end, Thank You for being a great friend to my family

Federal Officer Mike Diercks
United States Dept of Justice (retired)

July 26, 2014

I remember taking the 911 call from Wendy when the incident happened. I handed the call to a more experienced 911 operator. It sent shivers down my spine. Dane and I had both been on a manhunt that afternoon. We spent many an hour talking about common interests. I still miss him. I'll se you again sometime Dano.
.

Deputy Sheriff (Retired 2005)
Williamson County Illinois)

July 26, 2014

One very terrible night when Dane and I were working a traffic accident in a double curve and I'd pulled my squad between a crashed van with a family inside. A drunk came speeding around a curve and hit my car head-on. I had just exited, saw the drunk approaching and ran, jumped a ditch and got clear. Dane was directing traffic and saw the crash, he went to literally screaming on the radio for help. When he found me safe he had panic in his eyes and tears . . .I can still hear him yell ' ' You alright Billy". There's alot of these stories about Dane, he was a standup guy and always had our backs. A cop can say nothing better than this about a fellow cop..We miss you ,Buddy. He is so proud of his legacy and his family . . .

Sgt. Bill Marks, Ret.
Williamson County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.

July 26, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Johns. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

It's been over 6 years now...you will always be missed by everyone

S Fleming, Telecommunicator
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
Marion, IL

August 14, 2012

Deputy Johns, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

September 16, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 26, 2010

"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

January 8, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Johns on the anniversary of his passing. May God comfort you all.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

July 26, 2007

Deputy Johns,
As we remember you today on the third anniversary of your EOW, may you rest in peace knowing that your dedication never goes unnoticed. You will be remembered forever.

Pennsylvania citizen

July 26, 2007

Dane.. You were a true friend to me and my family. For the 13 years that I knew you, there were many great memories created. I miss you and will never forget you. Each time that I visit Marion, I spend time at your grave talking to you. You helped me through alot of difficult times and were always there for me, and I thank you for that. Wendie and the kids will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and I know that you are keeping an eye on each of us from heaven.
Philip

Philip Keller
Friend

September 18, 2006

A day late and a dollar short. You were not forgotten yesterday on one of the saddest days of my life.

The girls went out and bought flowers for you and put them on your grave.

You are always in our hearts even though the hole that is there will never be filled.

We love you and miss you very much.

Continue to watch over all of us as we continue doing GOD'S work.

Deputy George A Reed
Williamson County Sheriff's Office

July 27, 2006

Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

Daughter of an officer

July 26, 2006

I have many wonderful memories that will not be forgotten. Condolences to you family.

JW

July 6, 2006

Dane you was a great friend i miss you coming to my job .

RICK HERRING
GOREVILLE

March 9, 2006

Our prayers go out to your family on this first anniversary and to let you know that you have not been forgotten. The Marquez family (Falled Chicago PD Officer in 2002) also send their prayers.

Robert Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, Chicago PD,
EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, Illinois

July 26, 2005

On this day, the anniversary of your first year in heaven, I want to say thank you for your service and dedication. My thoughts and prayers go out to your wife, family and friends. God bless you. Rest Easy Deputy Johns....


Wife of an Indianapolis Police Officer

July 26, 2005

May God bless you, your family and the Williamson County Sheriff's Department. You will be sadly missed. Please Watch over all who serve.

Officer T. Farley
Sesser Police Department . Sesser, IL.

February 10, 2005

God Bless you Deputy. I will continue to pray for your families.


Michigan

November 2, 2004

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