Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was there on Piller Point that night. Sam was my partner. We worked together in Brownville, Dexter, Glen Park, Police Dept. That was a bad night. Sam will never be forgotten. He was a good man and a good Police Chief. RIP BROTHER. 9/11/87.

Retired Deputy Police Chief.
Glen Park, Brownville, Dexter, Police Dept.

September 12, 2023

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 11, 2020

Rest in peace Chief of Police Johnson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 17, 2019

I worked with Sam for a lot of years. He was a good man and a good police officer. As a young cop on the beat Sam helped me out many times,and I learned a lot form him. He is missed by every one. Chief Thomas and I responded to the call also,and we were shocked that Sam had been killed. We had to go to his house and tell his wife Joan. This is some thing that will be with me forever. When a police officer is killed,a little piece of America dies with him. R.I.P. My Brother.9/11/2015 will mark 28 years. So sorry my friend,my brother.

Deputy Police Chief ( Retired )
Glen Park Brownville Dexter Police Dept.

September 9, 2015

Sam was close personal friends with our family and his dedication to duty and caring is what motivated me to become a law enforcement as a skinny little 18-year old. I am still in Security and Investigations 32 years later....and was a cop for 6 years when Sam was killed in the LOD. Knowing him personally was a great privilege for me and he always said "Anything worth doing is worth doing right!" - Thanks Chief Sam.

Captain Ron Clarke
SRT

September 18, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

May 5, 2013

Grandpa, I love you and think about you everyday. We all miss you here. I know your shining down on us along with grandma and mom. Your life was ended way too soon. I love you always....xoxo your grandaughter Marie. <3

Marie Wagner
Grandaughter

November 25, 2011

I said a little prayer today for Chief Johnson and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

September 4, 2009

Sam- Always kind and fair, someone to look up to! I remember that night like it was yesterday, You will never be forgotten. Godspeed- Peter

Sgt Peter Heise
Syracuse Police, NY, Great nephew

May 7, 2009

"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

December 18, 2007

sam was my great uncle. he was a large man with a talent to make people laugh. i will never forget him. he was always fair and always tried to help others. uncle sam you made a difference. you will never be forgotten.

PFC Paul Heise
south carolina state port police/nephew

February 7, 2007

Though my wife & I live in Southern Maryland, her folks came from Dexter, NY. Her father still lives in Watertown during the summer & they own a cottage on Three Mile Point where we have vacationed for many years. My wife remembers Chief Johnson from her teen years (he'd been around for quite awhile)(by the way, he was Chief of Police because he was the ONLY Police Officer in the town). I remember seeing his car in front of his house as we passed by on the way to & from Three Mile Point. I know it's not there now but I find myself still looking for it. Rest In Peace Chief knowing you did a job well done. Bravo Zulu.

John M. Mumper
EWC, USNR (Ret.)

November 5, 2006

You are sadly missed my friend. You were not only a fellow officer, you were my neighbor and friend. You were always helping others Sam. You gave your life that day trying to help other patrols who were tied up with other calls. God Bless you and Thank You for all the times you helped me and my family.

Inv. Abe Doney
New York State Police

January 1, 2004