Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 19, 2017

I think of you often, Duane. I remember chatting with you at the Hollywood Christmas party in 1983. I met your twin many years later while teaching DRE in Virginia. You are not forgotten.

Sergeant Thomas Page
LAPD, retired

December 19, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. We honor you for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

October 2, 2017

Does anyone know if he was related to Duane M. Johnson, who was an LAPD Officer in the 1950's?

Leo Gómez
Santa Cruz PD

leo gomez P.O.
SCPD

September 15, 2017

Hi Duey,

On May 25, 2017, Steve, Donna and I attended the most recent Parole Hearing of Inmate #E07042, who is at San Quentin. DDA Larry Morrison was there, along with two LAPD detectives, to represent us. The detectives put together quite a montage of pictures and newspaper clippings...must've been 4'x3'. Kathleen and Rachel 'attended' by video from LA. We read our letters, and some read additional letters, including one from Robert Lee, son of the jewelry store owner...very powerful letter!

Despite the great number of letters the Commissioners received, and the continued lying of Inmate #E07042, the two on the panel decided to grant parole!

We have a little bit of time to petition the Governor to reverse their decision. Once again, many letters are in the writing to be sent. Continued prayers for this to come to fruition.

LOVE and MISS YOU!!

Pam (Johnson) DeLong
Sister

June 14, 2017

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. You have not been forgotten sir, thank you for your service to America and to your city. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of Officer Johnson during this time of re-opening a never healing wound.

Deputy Donnie Meaders
Seminole County (OK) S.O.

May 30, 2017

Rest in Peace My Brother in Blue.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be Called Sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Detective D. Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

May 26, 2017

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting and sitting with your sister Donna at the Candlelight Vigil in Sacramento. She is further along in her grief journey than I, but the bond that survivors have is not measured by time, but by sacrifice and honor. This was really brought home to me because sitting beside me on my left and holding my hand was the mom of Stanislaus Deputy Dennis Wallace who was killed in November of 2016.

We shall continue to honor the memory of each of our precious officers that lost his or her life in the line of duty.

In my 2010 reflection left for you, I said that my son was also your fellow Marine and so I again bid you Semper Fi.

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

May 8, 2017

I still remember the day of his funeral, how sad it was to see his pregnant wife at the grave site. I was working as a detective out of Central Detectives. I was a sad day for all of us.

Detective 3 Ray Alduenda
LAPD

December 26, 2016

Hi Duey,
32 years now. Just surreal. I am still meeting officers all the time who knew you, went to the academy with you, were first responders that day. It goes on and on and I am always stunned when I talk to them. They still cry. They have even thanked me for your sacrifice because after this happened LAPD issued 9mm weapons.
I'm going to go to the cemetery tomorrow, I haven't been for a while. I miss you everyday and wonder what would have been. I am sponsoring another officer for the unity ride to Washington, D.C. Officer Kosal Bunn will ride in your honor.
Slow hand salute Bro.

Donna Johnson Culwell
Sister

December 19, 2016

RIP BROTHER. I'LL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY. I WAS WORKING RAMPART PATROL AT THE TIME.

DETECTIVE J. MARC ESPINOZA
LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 20, 2015

It has been so many years and yet I still remember. I always will. Rest in Peace brother. Thank You for your service and your inspiration.

DII Vic Corella # 22416
LAPD (ret)

December 19, 2015

Over the last year I've studied this horrible loss in detail. Though others have quoted the same scripture, the thought keeps recurring that Officer Johnson typified the spirit of John 15:13- "No greater love has anyone than this, that he lay down his life for another." He was so focused on protecting his partner that he ignored the gunfire that would take his own life.

Duey, on the 31st anniversary of your death I hope that somehow you take comfort in knowing your family honors you every day- as do your brother Officers. Rest in peace, sir.

Kevin O'Connell

December 19, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Duey on the morning watch patrol at Central Division. He told me about his time in the Marines at 29 palms Marine Base. I could tell that he loved the Marine Corp and was proud of his service. But he was also proud to be an LAPD officer and it was reflected in the way he went about performing his duties. I often think about Duey and the sacrifice that he made for the citizens of Los Angeles. I will never forget him.

Detective Frank Amador
LAPD

September 22, 2015

I remember Duey, Archie and I the night before Duey was taken away from us. The three of us were directly across the alleyway from the Jin Hing Jewelry store during a Chinatown Business Association Meeting. The three of us talked about what we were going to accomplish in life and LAPD.

Whenever I give classes, I often talk about that fateful day which inspires me and lets my audience know what TRUE heros are. Duey, God Bless You, Archie and your family. I love you.

Stan

Police Officer Stan Hanaoka
LAPD Central Traffic Division

September 2, 2015

I met Duey in the Marine Corps in the late 70s at 29 Palms California and his reputation preceded him then and it still does to this day. In all our young Marine minds he was the epitome of a Marine; keep a stiff upper lip and always respect the law. What a great guy and model for the rest of us.

As I think about him today I just want to say thank you to all the dedicated police men and women who protect us today. When he put on that badge he knew what might happen and knowing Duey, he gratefully accepted that challenge and embraced it wholeheartedly.

Duey, you were our hero and continue to be so to this day.

Gig McClain
USMC

May 15, 2015

I remember Duey, Archie and I the night before the tragic day. The three of us were at a Chinatown Business Association meeting which ironically was right across the alleyway from the Jin Hing store. We talked about our goals that night.

The biggest shocker was that I never knew Duey had a twin brother. It just broke me up and thinking about it still hurts. God Bless all.

Stanley Hanaoka

May 12, 2015

Today, The Badgers Emergency Vehicle Association pauses to remember the service and sacrifice of Police Officer Duane (Duey) C. Johnson, Los Angeles Police Department and brother of Badger member Donna Culwell who was shot and killed in the line of duty thirty (30) years ago this date while responding to a robbery call in the Chinatown district of downtown Los Angeles. Donna reports that her brother Duey was working the Chinatown district of Los Angeles as a patrol officer and had just turned 27 years of age. He had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for three years. Donna recalls, "On one of the rainiest days I can ever remember, he and his partner Archie Nagao answered a silent alarm call at the Jin Hing jewelry store only yards away from the police station on Broadway, down an alley called Bamboo Lane. Five Vietnamese gang members associated with the Wah Ching gang had cased the store and were wearing suits to get buzzed inside by the owner and his son. There were two customers inside from Las Vegas. It is a tiny store with waist high jewelry counters and Officer Johnson was 6'4". After only moments inside, all hell broke loose. Chief Darryl Gates wrote about it in his book as being one of the bloodiest nastiest crime scenes he had encountered. Two bad guys were killed and three escaped out a rear stairwell to the waiting getaway car. One was shot in the chin. Officer Nagao was shot in the neck and barely made it out the front door. My brother was hit five times from his neck to waist, right down the left side where the break in his vest was. My other two brothers are both retired from law enforcement, one being the twin brother of Duey." Today, The Badgers recognize and honor the loyalty, service, and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Duane Johnson. God Bless you Duey....you are not forgotten. RIP Brother.....Slow Hand Salute.

Sgt.(Ret) M. Terry
Torrance PD,Friend of Duey's Sister, Donna

December 19, 2014

30 years, little brother...30 years...
Seldom does a day go by that you're not thought of. While trying to clean out closets, etc., I'll often come across a picture of you. Most recently was one where we were at a park in CA...we'd been playing frizbee. We were sure skinny then! :) Also found one from 1970, or so, us kids all around the Christmas tree.
As I'd been told you had accepted Christ about 2 years before being taken from us, I have no doubt I will see you in Heaven one day!
Missing you...love you...

Pam DeLong
Sister

December 19, 2014

Duane (Duey) C. Johnson, you are remembered for your duty, loyalty and sacrafice in your service and dedication to protect and serve us all. On behalf of the members of The Badgers EVA we thank you for your service both to our country and to the citizens of the City of Los Angeles. RIP Brother - Slow Hand Salute.

L.A. Scheid
Badgers Emergency Vehicle Association

December 19, 2014

Thank you Mr. Stathakis and Mr. Gutierrez for your reflections.
It is always heart warming for me to see that every year, people remember. And not just on this particular day, but everyday as we see and do things that remind us of the good times we've had with each other.

A few months ago I had the pleasure of going to Corcoran State Prison to make sure they are still having pajama parties for the inmate that got 25 to life... and will continue to do so! The other guy will never see freedom either.

God Bless all of our freinds and family.

Donna Culwell
Sister

December 19, 2014

When I was in the Marine Corps from 1976 - 1980, I met Duey. We were kids... he knew what he wanted to do way back then. He was one of the most genuine people I've ever met including people I've come to know living to my present age of 56.

He had a car that he'd lend to me anytime I asked. He had a sense of duty and righteousness about him. I know that as humans we all fall short of the glory of God, but, Duey had a sense of pureness to him.

I remember how and when I found out. I was shocked and horrified. I thought that this was a terrible loss.. When I saw his picture on this site, it was the first time I'd seen his picture since I knew him 37 years ago. I miss him

My son wants to be a police officer, and I've always thought of Duey and the possibility of losing him ... My son is presently in the Marine Corps working towards this goal..

CPL Marino P. Stathakis
United States Marine Corp

July 24, 2014

The thought of Duane Johnson still lives. He was a great classmate in the academy. Society is a better place because of Duane's contributions.

ofcr Joseph Gutierrez, 23422

February 11, 2014

Thank you all once again for always remembering my little brother. I can't believe that I STILL run into LAPD officers who were there that day or went through the academy with Duey. Most recently I met a retired officer at a Vets and Pets car show in Chino. He was the second officer on scene that awful day. And as it was 29 years ago, the sky was crying on December 19.
I led a toy drive on Saturday, December 21,2013, and was escorted by LA's Finest from Main Street to Mariachi Plaza and was happy but sad, trying to keep it together, trying to do my job and knowing I am so near to Chinatown, and White Memorial Hospital...thinking how fun it would have been to work with my brother at a lot of our events.
Always missing you.

Donna Culwell
Sister

December 26, 2013

I was a sergeant at the Police Academy when Duane Johnson joined the LAPD. He was a nice young man who was quiet and unassuming. I remember the day he was murdered and remembered how socked I was when hearing of the incident. It was the same feeling I had every time I learned of an officer's murder. I also remember hearing about and reading about the heroic efforts of his partner, Archie Nagao, and the seriousness of his wounds.
I remember learning that his wife was pregnant at the time with their first child. I thought and felt saddened that this child would have to grow up never ever getting to meet her father or really get to know him.
God bless you Dewey and thank you for your service.

Lieutenant Nick Barbara
Los Angeles Police Department - retired
December 22, 2013

Lieutenant Nick Barbara
Los Angeles Police Department - Retired

December 22, 2013