Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I often handed off that beat to Kirk. I never go by there without thinking of him. I now teach at National University and the senseless, baffling nature of this crime persists to this day. I was studying today to teach Investigations next month and found myself re-living the horrible day he was killed and feeling the loss again, along with the anxiety during the investigation. Yet the one thing that stays with me, Kirk always made me smile. He loved his job and we loved him.

Marc Bailey former SDPD Patrol
Current Reserve ECPD

September 19, 2015

It has been a long time since Kirk was murdered, not a day goes by that he is not missed.
His killer is eligible for parole, I send letters opposing his release every time.
Please send letters to the Parole board so he is never released.
Eric Johnson Kirks brother.

Eric Johnson
Brother

June 13, 2015

I always remember a hero, Mr Johnson god bless you sir !

San Diegan
Civilian

January 10, 2015

No Parole letter sent. RIP Brother

Retired Sgt. Robert Jarman
Twsp of Union, NJ

November 29, 2014

Rest in peace brother, you have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Ptlmn Johnson during this time of re-opening the wound that will never heal. Sadly, this should have been sent to us with more time to respond.

Sr. Ptlmn/K-9 Hndlr Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

November 25, 2014

My wife and I mailed our No Parole letter today. God Bless your family.

Special Agent #8268
US Homeland Security Investigations, Phoenix, AZ

November 25, 2014

This is long overdue. I was the dispatcher for SDPD operations that took the call from Johnson when he saw the unidentified sheriff car parked in a small park in Claremont. I was involved in the original freeway and area closures in the surrounding area. That day was so traumatic for me I resigned a few days after. I was a young post college student with city dispatcher as a part time job. Lt Johnson used to always come visit with the graveyard shift. He was a nice, kink individual. My condolences go out to his family and friends. May he rest in Peace

Sharon Davis-civilian
ex graveyard shift dispatcher SD

July 2, 2014

I WAS ON DUTY THAT NIGHT IN A PURSUIT ON SR-52, WE THOUGHT AT THE TIME THE MURDER WAS THE ONE WE WERE IN PURSUIT OF. I WAS ON THE CHP AND AM A FORMER SDPD OFFICER. I FELT ANGERED WHEN HOMICDE,CAME AND FOOT PRINTED ALL OF THE PATROL CARS AT THE SAN DIEGO CHP OFFICE. I FELT ACCUSED. THE FUNERAL WAS BY FAR THE STRANGEST POLICE FUNERAL I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO. EVERYONE WAS SO HAPPY NOT SAD. IT WAS THE CELERATION OF LIFE NOT DEATH. THIS ONE OF THE WORST MURDERS I CAN REMEBER AND I RECALL SO MANY, MOSTLY IN SAN DIEGO. I HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT THIS INCIDENT.

CHP MOTOR OFFICER EX-SDPD
SDPD, CHP

July 11, 2013

I remember that sad day too. I think of Patrolman Johnson and say a prayer for him and his family every time I travel pass the park on Hwy 52. God Bless.

Citizen
San Diego

February 14, 2013

kirk;

It's been almost 30 years since I talked to you. It was you who got me interested in the police Dept. I will always remember the time we spent in the Army in HI. The times of prayer and fellowship and the christian love we shared with one another. I am glad to know your in heaven with our brother Jesus. I hope to see you soon and enjoy fellowship again RIP

P/O Armond Binni (RET)
Philadelphia Police Dept

August 2, 2012

"...So also is the resurrection of the dead. Its sown in corruption; its raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishounour (the "flesh"); it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body....now this I say to you brethern, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed...O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (I Corinthians 15:33-58)

Keith M. Rudder
Education/ Ex-Police Consultant

June 28, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Johnson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 21, 2012

Dear Kirk, you have been on our minds a lot this week. We miss you. I often wonder what our lives would have been like if you had lived. We are so proud of you and the sacrifice that you made. I know that you are resting in the arms of Jesus. One day we will see you again. Just know that you will always be remembered as you truly were and not as how some would have us remember you. You were a good man and great husband to my mother. For that I will always be grateful.

Cheri Lievanos Anema
Step Daughter

October 15, 2011

I am currently watching your case on Unususal Suspects on Investigation Discovery. I am glad that your killer was found and I hope that his parole was denied. One point in my life I want to be a cop in New York but my boyfriend stated it was too dangerous. I am also a veteran so I know what is it to put your life on the line for your country. I salute you...

Jane Doe

October 9, 2011

I've never forgotten Kirk. He was my partner at Northern. When we worked together he used to like to stop at the donut shop on Governor Drive. Man, I couldn't keep up with him. But one day he decided to change his diet. The picture you see must have been taken after his dramatic weight loss. I remember the day he walked into the station for lineup after a couple of months detoxing from his morning donut code 7. He was wearing his uniform and man it looked like a giant potato sack it was so baggy. Amazing willpower. Amazing man. Superb officer.

I was in PB when I got the call that he was down. I miss Kirk. He was a good officer and "fun" to work with. Dammit man...why'd you have to go and get into that hinky sh*t.

semper vigilans.

hansen officer
sdpd kirk's partner

July 29, 2011

There are still days, alot of them, you cross my mind. 28 years has not earesed the memory of your smile. You were a good friend, and I will always miss you.

Michelle Milam
Former coworker & friend

April 2, 2011

Kirk... 28 years buddy. I can still hear the radio like it was yesterday: (apologies if this seems odd)

D: "214John, were you 10-4?"
D: "214John?"
D: "214John, Officer Kirk... er, Officer Johnson?"
D: "214John, Officer Johnson?"
U: "114John"
D: "114"
U: "I saw 214 go down into the canyon, I'll head that way."
D: "10-4, thanks"
U: "114JOHN!!!"
D: "114"
U: "11-41, Genesee and 52, officer down!!"
D: "10-4, 11-41 Genesee and 52, officer down"
U: "COVER NOW, he's been shot!"
D: "Cover now, cover now - Genesee and 52, officer down, officer's been shot."
U: "210Sam"
D: "210Sam"
U: "If medics aren't enroute, get'em rolling."
D: "They're rolling!"
U: "All units, 210Sam. Perimeter will be Governor Drive, Genesee, 52, 805, Regents, and ...."

The rest is a blur... it couldn't be you... it was.
The Sgts' callsign might be off, but 28 years is a long time to hold the memory. I was just getting to know you... and then this horrible day. Rest easy my friend. I miss you.

Ofc. Alan Mitchell
Alaska DJJ

March 9, 2011

Today marks the 27th year you have been gone. You are not forgotten Kirk. Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.

Anonymous

February 20, 2010

I remember learning about your incident in the San Diego Regional Academy a few years ago. You are remembered and never forgotten.

Anonymous

January 20, 2010

My friend has it really been 26 years. Know your smile still shines in the memorys of your friends. Till we meet again rest in the arms of our Lord.

M. L. Milam
Friend

February 21, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

The circumstances of your death were heartbreaking, and I am sure the family of your murderer grieved for you as well. However, I do hope the Parole Board did not release him the first year he was eligible. He is paying a heavy
price, but the price your family pays is for their lifetime.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 20, 2009

Kirk,
I'm still doing what I have to do for my BA then hopefully hit the street. Whenever I stop on someone or have someone pull up to me, I always have the memory of your night and my training guiding me.

Rest easy brother; we've got it from here.

Ofc. Alan Mitchell
Alaska DJJ

November 5, 2008

"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 20, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will never be forgotten. Patrolman Johnson, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, Va

February 20, 2007

G-d Bless.

February 20, 2007