Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today we would have celebrated our 50th birthday. My wife threw me the best birthday party in a long time ! I so wish you could have been here or talk you on remarkable time in ones life. I spoke with Rachel today, she will be getting married on Wednesday December 12. I hope the best for her and her husband. Today also marks a time in my life where I can consider retirement, you would have been long gone had to you lived to see your retirement. I have 26 yrs three months and 10 days of service. Presently I plan on staying till I'm 55. Should circumstances change, with the right opportunity, I may go sooner. December 19th will be 23 years since losing you. A day does not go by that I do not think of you. I am currently active, along with your sister Donna, in doing our best in keeping the man responsible for your death behind bars. Your nephews, Ryan and Nickolas, are both handsom young men. They work hard and know who you are. Dorothy is her usual bubbly self and misses you too.
I leave you now forever in my heart.

Master Police Officer Dana W. Johnson
VA Beach Police, Twin brother

December 10, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 10, 2007

Thank you very much Maj M. B. Parlor and Investigator David L. Bell and all others for sharing your thoughts and feelings for Duey. It is very comforting to know that others remember my little brother.
God Bless You all in your everyday lives.

Donna Culwell
Sister

October 8, 2007

"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

September 17, 2007

Hey Bro:

Tomorrow, we are having another "Officer Appreciation Day" for the guys here in Southeast. Today, I had a young Asian officer ask about Your murder. Coincidentally, another veteran was walking by. It turns out that he had actually responded to Your shooting. So, another officer now knows and can share Your memory.

I have not seen Archie in recent years, but I still think about him often. Seeing him shortly after the two of You were in that hellacious shootout, will always remain with me......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 7, 2007

Officer Johnson:

Today, we had an "Officer Appreciation Day" for the officers on Watch "2/4." All of the supervisors chipped in to pay for the grub. While sitting in the Southeast Roll Call Room, I told the younger sergeants and junior officers about that day that will remained etched in my mind. Your memory lives on.......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

May 16, 2007

Hey dad! I didn't know this page was here, otherwise I would have stopped by sooner :)
Well, a lot has happened in just the past few years. I finally got to meet grampa before he passed, thanks to aunt Donna. He was just like everyone said, a gentle giant. I also finally got to meet your bro, Dana, at grampa's funeral, and I can definitely say my life is so much better with him and his family in my life.
I'm engaged to a really great guy named Chris. He's super sweet and takes great care of me, I love him with all my heart.
I'm going to school for art right now, graphic design and fine arts. Who knows, I might be the next Picasso! One can only hope, eh?
Well, in a couple of weeks we're going to be going up to the parole hearing for Chan. So we'll see how that goes. Mom's going with me and Dana and Donna, the Johnson's represent! :)
Alright, well, I've got to go. It was nice being able to see your face again.
I love you!!!!
Rachel Claire

Rachel
Johnson

March 19, 2007

My dear Duey,it is approaching 'that day' again...twenty two years now. I miss you so much and think of you every single day. I ran into several of your friends and colleagues at the LAPD Central Division Cops 4 Tots car show in October. It was so wonderful to reflect with them with fondness about you. Even Chief Bratton came over to say a few words to me and thank me for bringing my car out to the show...oooohhh you would have had a blast with my latest car Duey! I always put your picture in the windshield at that show, my little bro! Oh! I am having dinner with our dear friend Fong, your translator from the Chinatown substation in a couple of days.We have always remained in contact all these years.
Okay bro,KMA-367 OUT! I love you.

Donna Culwell
Your sister...

December 7, 2006

How could I forget that day? It was sooooooooooo cold, windy, and raining ! I only had one month in the Academy, and my class was placed on standby to respond to China Town. Years later, I had the uneviable task of investigating your murder to provide the State with staistical data related to officer survival. RIP, Bro !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 16, 2006

It has been 21 years ago today that I lost you. On September 12th,2005 dad "left the surly bounds of earth" and has joined up with god's fire department. Dorothy and the kids were with me when he passed away along with several family members. He fought a couragous battle with acute myloid leukemia. He did not suffer or linger in pain. At his funeral I saw your daughter Rachel in pain. I gave her a hug, then I gave her a hug from you, because you are so very much within me. I continue on in this world with your memory in my heart.

MPO Dana W. Johnson
Virginia Beach Police

December 19, 2005

I was the Investigator in charge of your case, from the crime scene to the courtroom. As you know all those responsible were convicted, rest easy my friend.

Detective III, ret, William Gailey
LAPD Robbery-Homicide Div

November 24, 2005

Duane - (I could never call you, Duey!) As your T/O for just a few nights in Hollywood, I recall your enthusiasm for the job, your love for your wife, I don't think your duaghter was born yet. You loved being a Marine, and an LAPD officer. News of your death hit us all in Hollywood, very hard. Eventually, I went on to work where they plan police funerals, from an office that overlooks the Chinatwon jewlery store where you were shot. I can only hope to possess a small portion of the incredible courage you showed in the final moments of your life. Your wife was awarded your Medal of Valor, your story caused the ceremony narrator, actor Gregory Peck, to choke up and barely be able to continue. Sleep well, Marine. We'll continue the fight.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

November 22, 2005

Although it's been almost 21 years since your untimely passing, I always think of you and our academy days together. My deepest condolenses to your family and especially to your daughter,who you never had a chance to hold and cuddle in your arms. May you rest in peace my brother.

Detective George Leiva
Los Angeles Police Department

November 16, 2005

It has been a long time since 1981, when we were classmates. I often think of our time in the academy together, especially when I see our Department's memorial. I always smile when I think of your class nickname, but I always knew that you were a proud United States Marine and especially proud of being a newly appointed member of our Department. Rest in peace my classmate.

Sergeant Russell Carr
Los Angeles Police Department

November 15, 2005

I cried last night reading about your death and your partner's guilt associated with it, I live with my boyfriend who is a Detroit Police Officer, he was working at the time I read the passage in the book. It couldn't have been more real to me. Your memory is still alive.

August 3, 2005

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."
On 12/19/1984, you demonstrated that greatest love,Duey.Rest In Peace, my brother.

May 25, 2005

Although it's been almost 20 years since your death...it's never too late to offer a reflection. My condolenses to your family. I can only imagine the loss your twin must feel. Thank you for your service, Officer Duane Johnson. Rest in peace...

Policeman's 23rd Psalm
(Author Unknown)

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun

Mother of a Police Officer

October 27, 2004

Ofc. Johnson,
It was through a book, by Sgt. Mike Middleton, LAPD, that I learned of your death. May you rest in peace.

Anonymous

January 6, 2004

I have met your twin, Dana I know you were as amazing and dedicated as he is. My identical twin sister was also killed in the line of duty in Norfolk, VA January 16, 2003. There is never a day that goes by that I don't think about her. Rest in peace twin.

From: Sharon Atkins twin sister of officer Sheila Herring,
Norfolk, VA Police Department EOW: 01-16-2003

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Johnson family and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Officer Don W. Reichhardt #125
Virginia State University Police Department

"Duey", as he would rather be called, is my twin brother . We started our careers on the same day, Sept. 1,1981. I still serve with pride in Virginia Beach. Not a day goes by that I do not think of you. You will always be in my heart until it is my time for us to meet again and serve with God's police force.

Forever a twin.

Master Police Off. Dana W. Johnson
Virginia Beach Police