Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

R. Sergeant Johnson..please know that you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time..1 yr ago today you paid the ultimate sacrifice..YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN..please continue to watch over your family - friends & fellow brothers/sisters in blue..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

karen
l.e. student..mi

November 11, 2005

It will be one year since James was called away and I know that there are many questions as to why such a senseless act occurred and so many broken hearts left behind and so many dreams of the future ended. There are no words of comfort or advice I can offer his family to help ease the pain except to keep Jim's name alive by talking to his friends and other loved ones about him. He will never be forgotten and is a true hero. Jim, keep watch over your family and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

November 9, 2005

James,

For months I've come to this website, and wondered what I would say....I just look at your picture and smile, and think about all the times Lori would ask you if she could go somewhere and you or Pearl would say no, then later I would ask and it was always yes. I am woking as a negotiator now, and I thank you for allowing me to develop my skills on you ;-)...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you did for me through out the years, I can never thank you enough...and I miss getting my big bear hugs....you are truly missed by so many, and I know that you are watching out for everyone. If you happen to run into my Dad up there, you don't have to tell him everything...:-)

I love you!

Shelley

Shelley Mitchell

September 20, 2005

To the family and friends of Reserve Sgt. James Johnson Sr.and his fellow deputies with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Department:

On behalf of our entire family, I wanted to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Sgt. Johnson was so brutally murdered. It is so infuriating to read of yet another murder by a criminal who would rather kill to evade arrest than pay the consequence for the criminal conduct he chose to commit. When I read the memorial page, I was shocked to read about the horrific circumstances that led to Sgt. Johnson's death. His valor and bravery will be forever remembered as will the courage of his son-in-law and fellow officer who responded to the scene.

May you continue to find comfort in the warm embrace of support and love from your law enforcement community. Undergoing a devastating experience like this forges bonds between blood families and police families that can never be broken.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Department when he was fatally shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. Larry left a loving wife and his son, born 2 1/2 months after Larry's murder, as well as all his extended family and friends who loved him so much. It is so heartbreaking that all these families are being deprived of their loved ones.

My heart goes out to all of you, but I know that God and James are watching over James' family. I know that Heaven has another hero, but how I wish this awful crime had not happened to your James.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of service James gave to his community and the citizens of the state of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 11, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

September 11, 2005

I had the great pleasure of meeting your sweet daughter Lori this past July at a Concerns of Police Survivors training. She told your story, and I was amazed that she could share what happened, and be so brave about it. She really loves her Daddo. I came to know about you, listening to Lori share your life and your sacrifice with us. You must be so very proud of your daughter. I know she is so proud of you. Thank you for your sacrifice, and for protecting her son. You will never be forgotten!

Cathie Buckmister

September 8, 2005

As I read courageous stories of men like Sergeant Johnson, I thank the lord that such men live. God bless your soul and your family.

August 1, 2005

To Daddo, we love and miss you everyday. Here is something I wrote- just thought you'd like to see it The Night of Horror by: matt McAlexander(13)

This is a true tale,
One that is scary and sad as well.
As I begin you will be in shock,
The ringing sound of gunfire as I watch the clock.
Ringing, Ringing, the gunfire sounded.

It all started with a neighbor’s fight,
That all lead to death on this night.
Reba, an innocent old women shot down.
Her son-in-law was also shot before her,
Shot like an evil avenger.

Dwight was shot several times,
Killed immediately before knowing he was there.
Just waiting for Dwight to relax in a chair.
Waiting to shoot the poor mid aged man,
Dwight Allen Brutally murdered in his own back yard.

My grandfather was also shot,
We all still miss him quite a lot.
He died about two hours later,
Leaving us behind to be with the his Savior.
I can only imagine what that was like.

I stayed home clueless with the kids that night,
My dad told me “I’ll be back, its alright.”
The children were not scared at all,
For they had not a clue what would happen that fall.
Their “Daddo” would die later that night.

Jeremy Rowley was a HERO that eve,
He left to do something you wouldn’t believe.
Nearly dying himself, saved us as well.
He called for back up ASAP, but when they got there
It was over.
He was shot three times that I know.

Denny didn’t die, thank God,
Now there is no getting out the easy way.
Now what ever the judge decides,
Wont add up to his “judgment” day.
And that was that, that’s all I will say.

SGT.James Johnson
EOW 11/11/04

Matthew, Grandson of Sgt James Johnson

June 28, 2005

Lori (and siblings),
I know that we don't know each other, but we share something very similar--both of us lost our dad's in the line of duty. My dad was killed on November 19th, 2002 when an unlicensed man with Epilepsy had a seizure and struck and killed him and another officer while they assisted a disabled motorist on the side of the road. The phone call I got that night ripped a huge piece of my heart out forever. He was my daddy and the man who loved me most in this world. There wasn't a time I remember when him holding me didn't make me feel better or when he didn't have a huge smile and happiness in his eyes when he saw me. His laugh at dumb jokes and his love for sweets, a terrible love for sweets. Him holding my boys and being happier than he's ever been when he became a pop-pop. Him and my mom and their love. Those things about him I will miss forever. There isn't a day when I don't think of a dozen things he would have said or laughed at, a dozen memories that make me smile more than they make me want to cry. But that is now. I remember the pain in the months after losing him. The pain seemed so bad I couldn't hardly breathe through it at times. I lost my smile and instead I cried all the time. I wanted to be with him, no matter where that was. I thought that I couldn't make it without his love. But, time has slowly begun to heal my heart. It's taken quite a long time, and the memories of him and his love hurt more than they helped at first, but now I cling to those memories dearly. I hold on to those memories knowing that he loved me, my mom and my sister more than life itself, but knowing he loved us just a little less than he loved my kids, his grandsons. :) He lived for his grandbabies. As I'm sure your dad lived for the love that you, your mom and your brothers and sisters gave him.

I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and the pain you are going through right now. Our dad's were killed the same time of year, and for me, police week seemed too soon to say good bye to him. I know that your loss is so new and you are still in such pain from missing him and being in D.C. may have added to that pain. Please know that your mom, you and your siblings are in my thoughts and prayers. My mom, my sister and I still struggle with losing him but we have found a smile again in remembering his love. Some days are unbareable, but the smiles are more frequent than the days we cry. I wish that for you too!! I pray that the memories comfort you and give you a smile once again when you remember your daddy.

Anyway, I'm sorry to take up so much room. I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you (your mom and your siblings, too) and that I'm sorry for all the pain you're going through. Please know that you are in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Valarie Bell Wright
Daughter of Ptl. William B. Bell, EOW 11-19-02
Summerville Police Dept., SC

Valarie Bell Wright
Daughter of Ptl. William B. Bell, EOW 11-19-02

May 30, 2005

Rest in Peace, Brother. Although we never met, the many reflections speak highly of your service and that of your son-in-law. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are an inspiration and a hero. Watch over those you left behind and keep them from harm.
Serve with pride now as you patrol the streets of Heaven, you earned it!

A Squad
Woodbridge CT PD

January 31, 2005

We are deeply saddened at James' loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

January 17, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 8, 2004

SGT,
The definition of HERO is you. Your actions and that of your son in-law's were of the highest example of what HERO's do and how they act. Swift, couragous, and without hesitation. I can olny hope that if the moment of truth arrives for me, I can act in a mannor that would make you proud.

I pary that your family is able to find comfort in your actions. My God wrap his loving arms around them in their time of need.

Thank You is not enough, but Thank You for showing us what a HERO is.

God Speed SGT James Johnson.

SGT Phil Abdoo
Macomb County Sheriff (MI)

December 7, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Maj. Trotter, L.t. Buchanan, Sgt.Connard
Piedmont K-9 Team

December 2, 2004

Restin peace Brother.
You made the world a better place with your service.God Bless you Sir.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with your family and fellow officers.

Reserve Officer W. Johnson
Sullivan County, Tn.

December 1, 2004

Some gave some, some gave all. Sgt. your one of Heavens guardian angels now. Your brothers and sisters on earth have the watch now. Rest in peace my brother in brown.

Deputy Jason L. Johnson
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office

December 1, 2004

To the family of Sergeant James Johnson Sr. I am truly sorry for your loss. My PRAYERS WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU!!

Sister of 3 NC Law Enforcement Officers
High Point, NC

November 30, 2004

ANY brother Officer taken from us is often times hard to deal with, but it hits home even more when it is as close as one county away.

My heart goes out to the family, friends and fellow Deputies at the FCSD of Sergeant Johnson and may you rest in peace sir.

MPOIII Hicks
High Point, NC PD

November 29, 2004

My Fallen Brother,

Your service will never be forgotten. May God watch over your family and friends.
Rest in peace...

Detective Kevin Angell #2016
Sarasota Co Sheriff's Office Honor Guard

November 28, 2004

To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers:

On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Blessings Always,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks

November 28, 2004

Rest in peace Sergeant Johnson, We will meet again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the johnson family

Deputy S.C. Holmes
Stokes County Sheriff,s Department

November 28, 2004

James, you can join Bo now in being part of God's Bloodhound team. God needs handlers to run the tracks to bring lost souls home. Your job here on earth is complete, but God has a job for you now. Know that your family will be loved and cared for, you will be deeply missed, and the Bloodhound team will carry on. You stood by me, even when I wanted to quit, you never waivered when people made fun of the only female handler and to that I owe you more than I can every repay. Thank you my friend, I will never forget you.
To the Johnson and Rowley families:
You are one big huge bunch of heroes! Pearl and Lori, I admire your courage and strength. Carry on, we are here for you!
Jeremy, Matthew and Jordan, you are all heroes, for the actions that you all took saved many lives. Carry on, we are here for you!
I am honored to know you and to call you all friends. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person. My thoughts and prayers are with you. James, rest in peace, watch over us because, We carry on!

K. H. Briles
Forsyth Co So & Bloodhound Team

November 28, 2004

Thank You for your service. You are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

November 26, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the Livingston Police Department I would like to extend our condolences to the coworkers, family and friends of this truly heroic man. Though our paths never crossed your untimely departure affects us all.

POLICE OFFICER
LIVINGSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, MONTANA

November 26, 2004

Rest in peace.

Officer K.A. Lokey
Norfolk Police Department, Virginia

November 24, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure James did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and James be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Sergeant Johnson's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that James is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain James was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Sergeant Johnson for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

November 24, 2004