Trooper Rick Lee Johnson Michigan State Police Michigan Saturday, May 6, 2000  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 9th 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 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 Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-05-06

My husband is about to graduate from the 121st. What's more, he'll be one of the new cubs at your post in just 2 weeks. Words can hardly say how full of pride I am... and fear. As hard as it is for me to read your story, which hits entirely too close to home for me right now, I think I needed it. Even to those who've never met you, your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. I'm sure you'll watch over this newest batch of cubs, and all your MSP family. God speed to you and your family, and thank you.

New MSP Wife

2008-12-09

Even though this happened 8 years ago, it is still so sad to read about this
tragic accident. Trooper Johnson served proudly and was deeply loved and respected by those who knew him. It is a tragedy to lose him. We never know when our lives on this earth will end, but we can make a reservation in Heaven now and assure us a place when God calls us to Himself. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and He PAID the price for our sins on the Cross so we don't have to pay the penalty for our sins. Yipee! If we accept His payment by faith we can have salvation and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. It is not something we must earn, it is a gift. The most precious one we can ever receive. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith_and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God_not by good deeds, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. And our faith must be in God's only Son, Jesus Christ.
You were a credit to the uniform, Trooper Johnson. My heart goes out to your
loved ones left behind and may the Lord comfort them as only He can.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

2008-10-07

You are not forgotten. Rest in peace, and peace to your family.

Kathleen Stiocker
Surviving sister of Gilbert T. Stocker, Detroit PD, EOW 7/31/1972
2008-07-09

My brother and his wife were the first to come upon the scene. They held Trooper Johnson's head and comforted him with words. My brother told me he stared at the Troopers wedding band and it effected him deeply to the point he never wanted to know the fallen mans name. I found out through searching the MSP memorial site.

My brother often prays for the wife and family of the Trooper with no name, Iam glad he chooses not too know, for now his prayer is for all fallen Troopers.

I will keep my findings to myself until he is ready to know

R.I.P unkown Troopers

2008-06-18

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-05-07

Honoring you on the 8th anniversary of your EOW. Time has not diminished
your service or sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

2008-05-06

God Bless you and your family RL, 8 years after EOW. You are not forgotten.

Trooper 177
MSP 51
2008-05-05

Hey Rick, Well the 111th made the hump, 13 years!!! I am sure you, Kevin and Anita are watching over all of us. You are never forgotten!!!

1507
111th Recruit School
2008-02-23

Trooper Johnson R.I.P. Sir. God be with you and your Family.

VIPS
Alexandria Kentucky Police Dept.
2008-02-15

"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
2007-11-15

Rick,

We still tell the stories. We still look at your photos and shake our heads. We still remember. We still miss you and honor you.

Post #51

Trooper
MSP
2007-07-21

Rick,

Just want you and your family to know you have not been forgotten. I remember the days when you used to come into Portage. It was a sad day when the law enforcemnt community lost you. I always liked knowing that I had you at the Paw Paw post to help me out. God Bless You. You are still missed Trooper Johnson.

Sgt. Brian VandenBrink
Portage Michigan PD
2007-05-13

With thoughts of you on the 7th anniversary of your EOW. God bless you for not only the lives you touched,
but the lives you saved!
Lynn Kole
Washington State

2007-05-06

Still think of you often.

Ret/Tpr
Friend
2007-03-25

Thinking of you on our 12th year with MSP.

Fitz

2007-01-17

I think about you and your family often. Happy New Year :)

Suzi

telecommunicator
friend
2007-01-13

MERRY CHRISTMAS RICK !!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-12-25

Hey Rick- Just thinking about the night you found that stolen car in kalamazoo and how proud you were to run the plate and hear your dispatch tell you it was stolen. I also recalled the time you were on "real stories of the highway patrol" and your "new-kid attitude" when you first got assigned to Paw Paw. I always remember you when I get off the exit coming home from a night on patrol.. Miss ya Friend.

Officer Todd Christensen
Kalamazoo Public Safety
2006-10-10

Rick, each and every day I think of the wonderful times you and I shared patrolling the area assigned to us. I miss you as a patrol partner, I miss you as a friend, but I know God assigned you a wonderful place to do his work. Til we see each other again, God bless you and your family.

Tpr Chris Suarez
MSP #51 Paw Paw
2006-03-22

Trooper Johnson your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother....God Bless !!

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
2006-03-22

As a future Trooper or County Sheriff Deputy--at our academy we are instructed in differn't areas of training to research this page to see the dangers of becoming involved in law enforcement and to learn from the sacrifices that all of those that have gone into the same careers before us. This is also done to not only help us to try to stay safe but to show us that unforseen circumstances can hurt us and our families as well. It helps us to not only be Cops but to remain HUMAN as well. Thank you Trooper Rick for the sacrifices that you made, the people that you helped and the family and friends that loved you. Now I will look at not only what is ahead of me but behind me and all around me too. God Bless You and keep looking down on all of us.

Future Trooper Rachelle Huffman
Florida Highway Patrol,or Pinellas Co. Sheriff Deputy
2006-03-16

Rick, 11 years ago today, the MIGHTY 111th R/C. We'll never forget your sacrifice.

Fitz

2006-01-15

Still think of you every day when I walk into work and see your memorial.

You will always be remembered and missed

Friend
MSP Paw Paw
2005-10-05

Five years next month. I have not forgotten you or your family. You and your family are still in our prayers. Thank you for what you were willing to give.

Trooper
Michigan State Police - Ionia
2005-04-08