Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Det. Johnson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sedgewick County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 31, 2024

Rest in peace Detective Johnson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2020

Toward the Sound of the Guns

by Sgt. Oscar Thomasson

In Honored Memory of Detective Roy “Vance” Johnson
End of Watch 10/31/1974

There is a peculiar type of soul
who runs toward danger
when all others lose control
they are freedom’s true daughters and sons
those brave few who run toward the sound of the guns.

These brave warriors stand ready day and night
to lay it all on the line
when all the rest are filled with fright
they run to join the battle and fight until it’s done
those brave few who run toward the sound of the guns.

They are God’s blessing to the land of the free
standing between our homes and evil’s desolation
giving their all for liberty
sad it seems their sacrifice has just begun
God bless the few who run toward the sound of the guns.

Sgt. Oscar R. Thomasson II
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

August 12, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year 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 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 officer Larry Lasater

February 8, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year 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 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 officer Larry Lasater

February 8, 2014

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

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

That day still burns in my mind like no other. You, Mario, Louie, Jim and others were all heroes that day, only your life ended so abruptly. You were taken from us in an unimaginable, shocking manner. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Dispatcher (former secretary)
Giddings, TX PD

May 1, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 14, 2012

Thank you for your service. You, your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers as they remember you on this day. Words aren't enough, but please know that so many people are thankful for your service. No matter how many years pass, the police community will never forget you.

Officer's Wife
Cincinnati, Ohio

October 31, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Detective Johnson.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 2008

I am blessed today to have read the words on this site. I remember clearly as we drove Dad's body to Okla. for burial, watching out the back window of the car and seeing the, what seemed to be miles of, police cars following us. May God watch over the officers and protect them and their families. Our family has fallen through the crack of the system and we been "left out" of communication regarding things like the annual memorials, but I know still that Dad is remembered and honored by people in Wichita. Blessings to you!

Tracy Johnson Hamm
Daughter

May 14, 2008

Detective Johnson lived 2 houses down from me when I was growing up in Mount Hope. His son was one of my best friends, and we played together often. Det. Johnson was a great guy and always took the time to stop and talk with me when he would see me around town. I remember the day he died just like it was yesterday, and the pain is still there in my heart. I have since lost touch with his family, but wanted them to know I share in their loss and think of them often.

Eric Stites
Friend and neighbor

May 13, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

October 29, 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

October 25, 2007

I will never forget the day that Vance lost his life. I was in the Court house when it all came down. Vance was a good friend and a great guy to work with. He was a great detective and really enjoyed his job. He will always be missed and remembered by me.

Gary Weaver
Former Detective Sedgwick Co. SO

May 29, 2007

Vance, the Sheriff's Office was never brighter than when you came to visit and smiled. Your friends were in shock the day you died, and we will always remember you with fondness and pride. You have not been forgotten in 32 years.

anonymous

February 24, 2006

05/27/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Det. Johnson.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 27, 2004

It has been 30 years, but I'm sure that your family still feels the emptiness. You gave your life before I was born, but now I lay mine on the line to continue to fight for what you died for.

Officer. Wichita PD, Sedgwick County KS

March 11, 2004

Vance you were a good friend and partner. You are missed but never forgotten.

Dennis Wagner Corrections Officer
Taney Co. Sheriff's Dept. Taney Co. Missouri

January 19, 2004

12-11-03, MY BROTHER, YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. A HERO NEVER IS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU SERVED WELL MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

December 11, 2003