Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you all for keeping my best friend alive in your hearts. I enjoy reading all the kind words, May God continue to bless all who posted messages on this memorial. He is deeply missed, but never forgotten. I still hear his voice as though it was yesterday.Again, thanks for all you do in your communities to make it safe and remembering my best friend who paid the price doing what he loved the most. He's gone, but not forgotten.

Annette Swearington
bestfriend

July 23, 2011

man rodney was my friend he was my loss prevention supervisor at the holiday inn man i have a lot of memories in 1988 me rodney and his sister and my mother atteneded a michael jackson concert at the summit we had fun and he was a good dude and a good person all around god bless his family and all of those who loved bobby williams

v a hospital or room technician
friend

July 19, 2011

You are the kind of men most want to be. I thank God for making people like you. Your mother is a wonderful soul. She spoke to me.

Dispatcher Raymond Morris
Houston Police Department

June 10, 2011

It's been four years.I remember everything like it was yesterday. I like to say, "thanks again for remembering my friend. This year his kids want to celebrate his birthday and invited me alone. We all miss him. We thank everyone especially all those who keep our streets safe.May God bless you all. My favor scripture makes me think of my friend. John 9:4 I must work the works of Him that sent me for while it is day when night cometh no man can work.

Annette Swearington
bestfriend

October 3, 2010

My man

Phillip Norman
Uncle

September 21, 2010

Hey Big Rod! We miss you so very much! You have no idea how much! There will always be an emptiness in our hearts nothing can ever fill that void. It still feels so unreal that you are not here...I wish you were to share in all that we do...your laughter, smile and jokes can never be replaced. A part of you still lives on through Corrigan, Amber and Astin and we keep them close and near. You have a grandson who you would just love to no end...and the twins boy oh boy they would steal your heart. Til we meet again dear friend...love you always!

Mellanie
Friend

September 21, 2010

Officer Rodney Johnson,

I admired what you have done for us here in Houston. The time of your death happened when I was a senior in high school. I can't believe that justice wasn't fully served. If your killer was excuted today, I would be in a world of pleasure, knowing a man like you have recieved justice the way God want it to be. I'm still mad that Quannel X didn't show up for your funeral or even said a word of your tragedy. Despite that, I happy that you're an inspiration to me. I'm waiting to become a proud peace officer with HPD soon. I wish your family and HPD the best of luck.

Anthony Garcia

September 4, 2010

God bless and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice Rodney.

A message to his wife Joslyn: Thank you as well for your continued service. Even without knowing all of the specifics and politics surrounding presidential appointments and such, know that this former officer and proud American stands with you in your fight to make sense of the insanity where our borders are concerned. God bless you and your children Joslyn. May He strengthen you in your endeavors!

Casey Gleason
facebook /gleason7

Casey Gleason

June 25, 2010

To all of you who keep Rodney's memory alive I say,"thanks." He forever lives in our hearts and he's deeply missed. God bless you all.

Annette Swearington

July 30, 2009

During the training week of May 4, 2009 - May 8, 2009, students of the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia trained in honor of Officer Rodney Joseph Johnson. The students of CITP 921Z-A have Officer Johnson and his loved ones in our hearts. May God be with you forever.

Special Agent David Bradbury
ICE

May 8, 2009

to the johnson family- know that Rodney's memory will live on forever. The man you all knew as your hero, is now known as a hero to all of us. I will keep you in my prayers, and know that we as a family in blue will forever be in debt to Rodney. "Fortune favors the Bold"

Carl Smith
Houston Police Department

March 30, 2009

Dear Joslyn & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of the year. Last year on Christmas Eve. I left 3 dozen peanut butter cookies @ the S.E. substation, for the Guys & Gals working that evening. Then I was on the way to the Houston Police Officers Memorial to deliver more cookies to the officer that takes the time to "Guard" these grounds. I wish this shift on no "Officer"! So this year, we will not be at Midnight Mass., we will be Standing "Guard" from 11:30pm. - 6:00am. @ The Houston Police Memorial, so these officers can be with their families. We are thinking of you "Allways" ....and again thanks for your "Support".!!!!!! "Love",...Bob & Connie Clark.......

HPD Family
Survivor

December 4, 2008

Officer Johnson ,
Your face looks so familiar to me , maybe i've seen you on my many visits to Houston to see my family there and maybe i just know you because you are my brother , my brother of the thin blue . I am deeply saddened and having lossed 3 brothers in one day and 2 years later a sister , a very good friend , i share the loss with your family of blood and blue . Although the thin blue line got a bit thinner that Thursday , i want to thank you for your sacrifice and sharing that thin blue line with me . There are very few that can do what we are called to do and yes this is our calling .
Sgt. Johnson , to you and your family my deepest condolences and i call you sister . Having loss my fiance' , i truly can say i share your pain and understand it as well . This sometimes thankless job offers little respect to us at times and i know that you and Rodney both answered the call , walked this beat in life together not for any accolades , but for the desire to protect and serve . For that , Rodneys' life was not lived in vain and rest assured he will never be forgotten .........
Your family of the thin blue here in Birmingham has mourned and grieved with you as well and offer our undying support............Officer Johnson , Rodney , continued rest brother we have the warch from here.....
Sgt . Johnson , I know that you will defend your husband to the end ..........let not your spirit be troubled over those that will never know the sacrifice He made each and every time He placed that uniform on . There are those that will never understand that it runs far beyond a uniform and on duty status ......we are law enforcers 24/7 , we are there to keep the boogey man away , we run in when all others run out .........that is who and what your husband was and shall always stand for..........again , he will never be forgotten ........

officer val pickens
b'ham pd/b'ham , al

November 19, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones as they face this day. I know what your loved ones and those close to you are going through as I walk in their shoes. My son was also killed by an illegal alien. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 21, 2008

To the family and friends of Officer Rodney Johnson and his fellow officers in the Houston Police Department:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Rodney's memory on the second anniversary of the day Rodney so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

Please know that the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement will always be by your side on each step of the journey.

I regret that the family and department did not receive the full measure of justice they deserved in the criminal proceedings.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Officer Johnson gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 21, 2006.

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

.

Anonymous

September 21, 2008

Officer Johnson,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sence, we know that your spirit is with us still. Tonight, the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department's South Precinct will patrol in your honor. Rest Peacefully, we'll take it from here.

For the Watch
Lieutenant V.T. Rosen

Lieutenant V.T Rosen
Henry County Police Department

September 21, 2008

It"s been 2 years today my bestfriend was taken away. Today I reflect on all the fond memories. I cherish every moment the Lord allowed us to share. I wish I could hear his voice one last time saying,"love you be good bye-bye or Johnson." So, celebrate with me his memories by reflecting on the goodtimes you shared with Rodney. I miss him and I wonder what He would say to me about Heaven. Thanks to all of you who lets his memory live on. I leave my favorite scripture. John 9:4 I must work the works of Him that sent me for while it is day when night cometh no man shall work.

Annette Swearington(Bestfriend)

September 21, 2008

Officer Johnson,

Let no one say otherwise. You were an incredible man who did an unbelievable service to your community, and country. You are a true hero who lost his life doing a hero's job. We cannot even fathom the good things you did for everyone you encountered. For the ones who criticize you on that fateful day; they just don't know what it takes to be an officer and the dangers and stresses you faced each day. Thank You Officer for making Houston a safer place to live. It is because of officers like you that the citizens of Houston are safe. From a prospective police officer, Thank You and Rest In Peace, your fellow officers have the watch from here.

To the family of officer Johnson, I pray that God may give you strength and comfort in your time of need. You are all such wonderful, strong people even though I've never met you. No that your loved one is a hero who did the greatest job in the world:

"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That He Should Lay His Life Down For Another."-John 15:10-17

God Bless You All and God bless all Police Officers

Pte Josh Keitel
Canadian Armed Forces- Military Reservist

June 16, 2008

Sgt Johnson

They will always be those who have never done the work that will critize the ones who do. Those that repersent the EVIL that committs the acts as this somehow gives justification for the crime. Those that have served knows that a second can change everything. The bottom line is that an illegal alien made the choice to break in to the country and bring a gun with him, then made the choice to use it. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family and co-workers.

Public Safety Supervisor, Gary Mintz
Warren Wilson College, NC Public Safety

May 30, 2008

Sgt. Johnson,

Please you do not have to defend your husband or his actions on 9/21/06. His professionalism is beyond reproach. Those who dare to even mention what you stated need to be a single officer unit for one night! How does that saying go "don't judge a man until you have walked in his shoes." Rodney has huge shoes to fill, and no doubt not one who said that could even compare. No doubt it was from one of the 10 who are trying to defend their incredibly stupid decision in the punishment phase! Sgt. Johnson please don't give them a thought and consider the source. Take care of yourself and your family and be comforted by the fact that Officer Rodney Johnson died like he lived, as a HERO..................and no negative words spoken by fools will ever change that!

Citizen
Supporter of Law Enforcement

May 28, 2008

I would just like to thank everyone for all the love and support bestowed upon myself and my family. Everyone has been extremely empathetic during our time of need..It is wonderful to know that everyone truly cares and does respect public servants that risk their lives every time they(we) wear their uniforms.

As a police officer and spouse of Officer Rodney Johnson, I would like to respond to those who are saying that my husband was negligent because he didn't find the gun on the suspect.
My husband had four people to contend with in that vehicle and he did do a quick pat down,not a complete search due the situation.. He was attempting to make the scene safe, without backup, until he could secure the scene and do a thorough search..Unfortunately, he was not afforded that chance..(My husband did find a knife on the suspect, but his two daughter's and the coworker riding with him were causing a scene)...

My husband was a true hero and we all truly lost one of the finest if not the finest officer this department has ever known.

Once again, thanks for your kind words and condolences.. God bless.

Sergeant Joslyn Johnson
Houston Police- widow of Rodney Johnson

May 27, 2008

I am so aorry that the 10 out of 12 jurors didn't do the right thing. It made me sick to see the one juror state that she felt his life had value. The perfect thing would be for those 10 jurors to have to pay for his "life without parole" sentence for the rest of his life. Maybe when the 10 of you take off your rose colored glasses, step out of your gated communities and see the real world you might have a clue!!! The convicted(doesn't deserve to even have his name stated) IS NOTHING BUT A WASTE OF SKIN AND AIR!!!! And what did that sentence tell law enforcement??? I hope that the next time one of the 10 need law enforcement assistance they remember what they told law enforcement with their sentence. Officer Johnson, you gave all you had in everything you did---your family, your job and co-workers. I know Stewart misses you everyday. To his wife I hope you win ten million or more from your lawsuit, morons like the two that helped the convicted back into this country deserve to pay and pay big!!!!

You are not on this earth with us but no doubt you are still protecting and serving from the heavens. Rodney, rest peacefully, another has the watch. You are so loved and missed.

Unit Supervisor
TDCJ-Parole

May 27, 2008

Johnson Family,

You don't know me and I never met your loved one but I just felt complelled to write. I have followed your story through the news and online articles/videos.

I just want you all to know that I feel your pain, and I don't say that lightly. In 1998 my mother was murdered in here home. Very long story short the "person" who chose to end her life that day after doing many other horrible things to her was caught and and found guilty. We were there of course for the whole trial he was sentenced to death row........however, he was 17 years old at the time of the crime and a couple years ago the supreme court overturned his sentence and he now serves 40 flat because he was 5 months shy of 18.

When I watched the victim impact statement online I just cried. I can so relate to your pain and anger.

When I read that the "person" who killed your family member was sentenced to life instead of death all of those memories came back from when the sentence was changed regarding my mother.

I just read the article that attempted to somehow compare the wives of the officer and the murderer.....amazing!! Absolutely no comparison. It is incredible to me that the family of a murderer that will not be put to death is compared in any way to a family that will never be able to talk to, see or share life and memories with their loved one.

I hope that your family can find some peace someday regarding this huge loss. It has been ten years since my mother was murdered and while some things have gotten easier it is still hard to not have her around. Something that keeps me going for myself and my children is that he took her life he will not take mine.....I will not let him take away another life from this family.

I don't know if you are reading these posts and quite frankly I have never responded to anything like this before. This story just struck my heart and I felt I should share. Please know that you are not alone in your greif, sadness, and anger. May God be with you and get you through this very hard time.

All the best,
Elaine Clinard

Elaine Clinard

May 26, 2008

I am very upset that the killer did not get the death penalty.
If it makes the family feel any better, there are a lot of folks who feel as I do and we all pray that they can find some peace in the days, weeks, years to come.
Thank you Officer Johnson for your service......

Major John Wilson
USAF, Ret.

May 25, 2008

To my Family I know GOD watches over us and we will be alright.Justice will be served if not her on this land it will when Judgement day comes! Keep your heads up and stay Prayed Up. GOD get's the Glory!!!!!!!!!1


Rip Rodney Johnson and
Ms Geneva Burke- Johnson my (Grandmother)
keep in touch see you again at the next family reunion.
[email protected]

Timaka Vickers -Johnson
Cosin to Rodney

May 23, 2008