Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Rest in peace, Sir. You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
January 23, 2006

Kirk,

Just wanted to say that I still remember you and think of you. To this day, I can hear the radio traffic when city tried to contact you and that one officer went to go find you. I don't remember his name, but have wondered how he is since that day. For the next few months, the broadcast kept playing in my head, it even woke me up a few times.

I gave SDPOA a donation on your anniversary this year. I've done that for a few other guys we lost this year, too. Recently, LBPD lost "Ranger" a few weeks ago and I did it again.

As much as we try to make the world a safer place; more and more of our family are falling. My wife has spoken to me few times about changing jobs, but no way; we have to continue to take a stand and make a difference.

Just know that I do think of you every time I gear up, and although we met only briefly, I will never forget.

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

Ofc. Alan Mitchell
Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice
December 7, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer. Tonight, February 20, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Patrolman Kirk Leland Johnson who died on this date years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Patrolman Johnson's sacrifice will never be forgotten

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC