Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Johnson,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Draper. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 1, 2023

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your fellow law enforcement.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 1, 2020

Today, 8/18/19, I ride in remembrance of you, a man I’ve never met. Your life is remembered. As citizens of Draper I appreciate your willingness to keep our streets safe. My son is 14 and in HS at CCHS. We recognize that you kept us safe at the cost of your own life.

Sometimes we get so complacent and think we’re safe in the suburbs or that violent crime won’t find its way to our streets, but the truth is sometimes it does, and when it does we rely on your service and sacrifice in the line of duty!

God bless you and your family.

R Peters
Citizen of Draper

August 18, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 13, 2018

I remember I was just starting the police academy at UVU when you were killed in the line of duty. All of us in the academy were very saddened that you had to be killed in such a senseless manner. Rest in peace brother, you will never be forgotten by the citizens of this great state.

Officer J. Honeycutt
Utah Valley University Police Dept.

March 2, 2016

God Bless You Sgt Derek Johnson, your Family and your Fallen and Serving and Retired comrades of the United States of America.

grateful police supporter

September 1, 2015

Only a few short weeks before this beloved American son, husband and father was fatally shot while conducting a routine parked vehicle inspection while on his way to end a long shift, I left the Sandy, Utah area to move back to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. I lived here in what locals call the "Roaring Fork Valley all during the 1990's. On one occasion during the ski season in nearby Aspen I worked for the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office as the Airport Deputy Sheriff and grew to so completely love this area.
Since my short tour of duty with the Park County, Colorado SO I began what would be a joyful and tremendously rewarding hobby. I collected from LEO departments in Nevada, Utah and Colorado shoulder patches that I placed on a leather jacket I own which also bears many of the patches and insignia of the units I served in during the Vietnam Era as a proud soldier in the United States Army (Regular).
It was sometime near early to mid July of 2013 that I got to know some of the uniformed officers of all the agencies in Southern Salt Lake County. I am LDS and at the time was serving as an Ordinance Worker in the Draper Temple and remember well being thrilled to see uniform units on routine patrol which to me in such a religious community only served to reinforce lessons learned during the Vietnam Era; “Walk softly but carry a big stick”.
On one occasion around mid July 2013 I happened upon a few Draper LEO's at the Draper PD parking lot and as a licensed CCW holder with very close ties to so many of America's finest in the area it was a joy to just visit as great men were in the process of changing shifts.
Expressing my love for the collection of patches from departments in Utah and Kansas, where my son was then an LEO for the Western Shoshone Dept. of Public Safety, I had the great honor of meeting a young man in his early 30's who was a supervisor with the City of Draper. His name was Derek Ray Johnson. Sgt. Johnson reached into his duty bag and presented me with a City of Draper patch which I proudly wear to this day in loving memory of a real American Hero. I wear it just below my patch for the US Army 2nd Infantry Division. The US Army 2ID patch is forever etched upon my soul. I trained with the unit at Ft. Benning, Ga. in the 1960's and my best friend from high school, Billy Lamb, was wearing the patch when an NVR (North Vietnamese Regular) soldier's Russian made weapon took his life in a rice patty. Billy and I joined on the "Buddy Plan" and were proud to serve. I came home with scratches and bruises - Billy came home in a coffin.
I will forever honor the memory of America's finest. I will forever love and respect Sgt. Derek Johnson and wear his patch with chest out and head held high for I believe with every fiber of my being the lesson taught in the Book of John: "Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."
To the enemies of all good Americans, to those who hate great men like these for doing what has to be done when it has to be done and with the visions of the faces of Billy and Sgt Johnson burned into my mind I repeat the motto of the 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army: " "NOLI ME TANGERE", "DO NOT TOUCH ME". Rest in peace and thank you for placing upon the alter of freedom so great a sacrifice.

Proud father of a Barber, Co. Kansas Sheriff's Dept. deputy and myself a former Detentions Deputy for the Park County, Colorado Sheriff's Dept.

December 30, 2014

I'm deeply sorry for the loss of this magnificent man who lost his life protecting society. He risked his life everyday for the safety of others. This man truly shows what sincerity and determination was. To give his life in order to protect his community is beyond heroism. Thanks for the service this officer offered and prayers to his family.

Rogelio Huerta
Mission Hills High School student

May 7, 2014

Not a day goes by that i don't think about your sacrifice. You were a great officer. It's still very hard to believe that you are gone. I hope you are in a better place friend.

Sgt. Allen Crist
South Jordan Police, Utah

December 1, 2013

Sgt Johnson, you didn't have to stop and check the vehicle, but you
did your duty and you paid the ultimate price.

Everyone who knew you should be so proud.

RIP X

Jonathan Davis

November 2, 2013

Whatever our duty, or wherever we serve, we are all brothers and sisters in this most honorable calling. We have lost yet another brother who we must never forget.

My deepest sympathy to both his family and his law enforcement family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May he rest in eternal peace.

Sgt. Tom Waller, Cincinnati P.D., Ret.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum

October 27, 2013

Sgt. Johnson,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Draper. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 27, 2013

God Bless you Sir. May the good Lord above cradle you in his arms, and may you Rest in Peace my Brother in Blue. I offer my prayers and sympathies to each and every one of your family members, friends, and co-workers.

Chris Walley
Former Jail Officer/Deputy Wayne Co. Mississippi Sheriffs Department

October 24, 2013

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Derek was killed.

To Derek's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Sgt. Johnson gave to his community and the citizens of Utah, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 1, 2013.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

October 4, 2013

REST IN PEACE BROTHER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE MARTY LALONDE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

October 3, 2013

My deepest condolences to Ms. Johnson and your son, as well as the parents and family of Derek Johnson, including his brothers and sisters at the Draper Police Department. Sergeant Johnson was attempting to assist unknown person(s) in a vehicle pursuant to his duties, and was shot and killed without warning. May God bring peace to the entire Johnson family, especially to Derek's wife and son. I also truly believe Derek Johnson is now in Heaven receiving God's Love, peace and joy.
To Ms. Johnson and your son, please be assured that Derek is in Heaven and he will be watching over both you and his son. May God be with you always and bless you and your son.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police ( Troop "D")

September 30, 2013

Sergeant Johnson,

Thank you for your service. You will be welcomed by all others who also chose to "Protect and Serve" who went before you. Rest well in the arms of God.

To Your Family,

Feel His presence as God answers the prayers of many who have fallen to their knees on your behalf. Since the day of my son's death, I have carried every law enforcement officer and their family in my heart.

Every morning I go to my knees. During that time I pray,

“Lord, Be with all law enforcement officers. Keep them safe and free from harm. They are Your soldiers on the front line of the battle against evil. If one should fall this day - wrap their family in your loving arms. Surround them with Your angels, loving family, friends, neighbors and caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name and for Your Glory, Amen.”

I have lifted you and your family to God every morning for over two years. Feel those prayers. God is with you, He knows and will ease your pain.

Pamela Hotsinpiller
Mother of
Deputy United States Marshal
Derek W. Hotsinpiller
EOW 2-16-2011

September 26, 2013

Another law enforcement officer, killed in the line of duty, GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY and R. I. P, WHEN IS SENSELESS KILLING GOING TO END

CHARLES N GREENBERG
Private citzen

September 24, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of this brave officer. Rest in Peace.

Sheriff Ray Foster
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office

September 24, 2013

Four good Utah Officers gone in four weeks, you guys must have some special business that needs to be taken care of because the only think I can think of is Heaven must have been needing Heroes. Thank you for your service, we will watch over your wife and child.

Love from a Utah Fire Wife and SIL of an Officer.

Tracie Turner
Fire Wife

September 23, 2013

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

September 18, 2013

Thank you for your sacrifice and may you rest in peace.

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney
Virginia

September 17, 2013

Thank you for your service. To your family, please know our prayers are with you. He is now serving in a better place. God cares for all of us, His timing is not our timing. All things shall work out for our good. Keep smiling. Love the Olivers.

Joe

September 16, 2013

Rest In Peace.......

John Ruth, AEMD Comm Specialist.
MOMR, Farmers Branch,TX

September 14, 2013

Rest in Peace. Thank you for your servive brother.

k( handler B Emmrich & K9 Jake
Cedarburg Police, WI

September 13, 2013