Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a Sparks PD police explorer when this tragedy happened. I remember Larry as a consummate professional and a man of utmost honor. RIP Officer Johnson,

Daniel Currid
Sparks PD police explorer / Shopko Loss Prevention

September 25, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Johnson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2021

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

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

May 22, 2021

Officer 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 Sparks. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 22, 2020

My father worked with Larry. He came over often to watch super bowls, go fishing, have dinner during his lunch when they were on duty together and was part of the demolition derby where they went to Placerville and drove impounded cars to destroy them... Good times, great memories and a great man.

Melinda

May 22, 2020

I knew Officer Johnson as a neighbor. I was only seven at the time. His daughter helped teach me how to ride a bike. We even used to play with Barbie dolls. They’re family impression has guided me all my life. The best childhood years ever.

James A. Miller
Neighbor

June 18, 2019

I worked with Larry Johnson when I was in college and a reserve officer for Sparks. I remember Larry as a helpful and kind officer who always had a smile on his face with a good sense of humor. He was a fine officer. I later got hired at the Sheriff's Office and was working as a detective when the shooting occurred. I responded to the area after the shooting which was only a few blocks from where I grew up. The suspect was hiding in the dark behind a bush and it appeared he had the tactical advantage--a sad night indeed. I went to the memorial in Washington to honor Larry. He was missed by all that knew him.

James Lopey, Asst Sheriff (Ret) & NVDPS
Friend and fellow peace officer

May 22, 2018

Although I've never been connected to law enforcement, Larry was one of my friends and our next door neighbor at the time of his passing.After all these years I still visit both the memorials (in Reno & Carson City) where his name is engraved with other fallen officers from our area and give thanks to God that such a person as Larry was in my life.At the time I was married and we had three small children.Larry was definitely the best neighbor I ever had.During Christmas, he would actually leave gifts for the children on our doorstep on Christmas morning....and that's before I hardly knew him!He was always available to talk to if I was having trouble in my marriage (what young couple doesn't?)or offer a ride if we needed one.Just things like that.He was just a real easy person to talk to who would actually listen and give good advice and encouragement.Larry was the real deal.
It's a blessing and an honor to have known someone like Larry Johnson. He will never be forgotten.

Mr.David Slatton
Neighbor and friend.

September 27, 2017

I will always remember you, friend and brother officer.

retired officer ken micone
Sparks PD

May 25, 2017

I visited your page today as it has been 22 years since you gave your life. I never knew you and I was only a child living in the city you protected when you were killed.

I was moved to see that a person you arrested was moved enough by his contact with you to leave a reflection. That speaks volumes for the type of person and officer you were. It's because of officers like you that I am proud to share the title.

Rest in peace, brother.

Lauren Reid
University of Nevada, Reno Police Department

May 22, 2017

Larry,
You are missed. Never forgotten. Those you loved are continuing on well. May 22, 1995 is a date I will never forget. Rest at peace knowing that your police brothers and sisters, children and fiancé carry on in your memory.

Laura-Dispatcher
Sparks Police Department

May 22, 2016

I have had the pleasure working with Larry for years as a Heavy duty tow operator. He treated everybody with respect and funny that man was funny at times. He always made sure we were safe. The community had one of the finest that ever served and he will never be forgotten. Larry, Thank you and rest in peace

Monty Turner
Anderson Tow /Personal Defense

May 24, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 22, 2015

My friend, my brother, always there when I needed you.

State Trooper Lawrence Cassidy
Nevada Highway Patrol

November 25, 2014

Dear Larry:

Wow! In October of 1994, I remember when I left Reno enroute to Texas, I last saw you in the bank parking lot, and that's when you gave me your business card and you wrote your home number on the back. You told me to contact you once I got set up in Texas. Just a few months later,I couldn't get a hold of you and decided to call your department. That's when the Watch Commander told me you had gone home to be with the Lord. I cried big tears that day sir. Just to let you know, I had that same business card lamenated, and for 15 plus years, I kept it in my walet as a reminder of officer safety. Now that I'm no longer in law enforcement, I just now not too long ago have taken the card out of my walet and placed it amongst all my other law enforcement memorbillia. We'll see each other again someday my friend.

Kevin M. McNair

April 15, 2014

Officer Johnson transported me after my arrest in 1993 from the Pyramid Highway 7-11 to the Sparks Police Department, and from there to the county detention facility at Parr Boulevard. I felt I had been arrested without probable cause and was very upset. I was mouthing off and using racist and other derogatory terms to incite him into reacting. Officer Johnson kept his cool and let me blow off my steam, and by the time we got to Parr I'd calmed down and he was telling me about his family and I was sharing my troubled background with him. I remember him from time to time and consider him the nicest officer I've ever interacted with, and I consider his death a great loss for the Sparks Police department and community of Sparks.

David
Arrestee

December 20, 2013

Larry; I will always remember the "breakfast Club" on days off a group of us would get together and do what most people do complain about the job,and the pay you always made me laugh and as always when you died the world lost not only an officer but someone who contributed to this world in many ways.

Another year passes but a void is still left in the world without you in it you were a
True Friend not out to gain anything but friendship

James B Stewart
Sparks Police Department {retired)

May 21, 2013

Larry, I remember the good times working with you and just hanging out after work. You are greatly missed. You were a great friend and beat partner. "SOLID"

Sergeant Jeffrey Jones (retired)
Sparks Police Department (retired

November 24, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 22, 2012

I was blessed to have met you, to have worked with you, and to have had you as a friend. I miss you.

Sandra More

January 25, 2012

You are still thought of everyday. Thank you for the guidance you have provided both in life and death. We love and miss you terribly. I pray daily for the safety of your children and Grand Daughter. She has gotten so big by now.
Michael you could never shame your family you have grown to be a great man.
Love the Gamwell family.

Melinda Gill
United States Air Force / Family friend

August 11, 2011

I will never forget that night Larry, and I always think about you every May 22. May God Bless you for your service.

Barbara, Dispatcher
retired Sparks PD

May 23, 2011

15 years ago today you gave your life to protect others. We will never forget your sacrifice and service. Thank you and God bless you.

Jason

May 22, 2010

Fourteen years have passed so quickly. Our kids have grown, and it still seems like yesterday. You wont be forgotten, nor will the realization of how precious our husbands and families really are. I hope more people will remember that.

Anonymous

May 8, 2009

Rest in Peace Ofc. Johnson. I remember visiting Sparks PD in the early 90's before I was in Law Enforcement because I wanted a patch due to the name. Your Department was very professional and now I wonder if it was you who spoke to us since I was too young to remember. Rest in Peace and you are not forgotten.

Aaron P. Sparks #185

Officer Aaron P. Sparks
Newbury Police Department N.H.

July 30, 2008