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Patrolman James Spencer Johnson | East Lansing Police Department, Michigan East Lansing Police Department, Michigan

Patrolman

James Spencer Johnson

East Lansing Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch: Thursday, October 25, 1984

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 41

Tour: 11 years

Badge # 15

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 10/25/1984

Weapon: Gun; Unknown type

Suspect: Sentenced to life

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Patrolman Johnson was shot and killed while responding to a breaking and entering call. He was shot as he approached the scene. The suspect was convicted of murdering Patrolman Johnson and sentenced to life without parole.

Patrolman Johnson had served with the East Lansing Police Department for 11 years.

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Most Recent Reflection

Many years ago I was a student at the University of Michigan, and I became friends with a girl named Nicole. I already wanted to join the State Police in New Jersey, a fact that all my friends knew.

One day, Nicole and I were talking about our future careers. She wanted to be a doctor. When I commented again on my plans to go into law enforcement, her eyes filled with tears. She told me the story of her father, Officer Johnson, who was killed in the line of duty in East Lansing. She grabbed the front of my shirt and said to me, "Don't you dare get killed. Don't you dare."

After graduation Nicole and I stayed in touch for a year or so - she was dating a close friend of mine - and then we drifted apart, as often happens. I haven't talked to her in over a decade, but when things get squirrely at work, I remember the promise I made to her.

RIP, Officer Johnson. You are not forgotten.

Detective II
New Jersey State Police
July 20, 2011

 

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