Detective Anthony Johnson Philadelphia Police Department Pennsylvania Tuesday, January 7, 2003  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
2009-02-23

"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
2008-01-24

YOU ARE REMEMBERE TODAY DETECTIVE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-01-01

RIP Tony...

LtAnger
PPD
2007-01-07

Tony, you were a true gentleman. I remember vividly how you'd come into the 18th District and SWDD shaking hands, making conversation, and just making everyone feel appreciated. From the newest rookie, to the crusty veteran---you treated us like gold. We miss you pal.

God Bless

Policeman Gregory Speck
Philadelphia Police
2007-01-07

Four years have passed and you have not been forgotten. For some the four years have passed very quickly and for others it has felt like an eternity. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2007-01-07

He may have fallen, but he is NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's
2006-09-26

Dear Detective Johnson,

It is with great respect and sadness that we write this to express our condolences to the Philadelphia Police Department and to you and your fine family. God gives us great peace in allowing us memories of good times. Dwell on these good memories. Our thought and prayers are with you. Thank you for your love and care of your fellow man. Please watch over us from above and pray for us. We love you dear one.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff
2004-10-16

TO THE FAMILY
I LIKE TO OFFER A FEW WORDS.
ON BEHALF MY FAMILY THANK YOU A JOB WELL DONE.
YOU HAVE MADE THE STREETS OF PHILA, PA.
BETTER.
YOU ALWAYS REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS, PRAYS AND FOREVER AT OUR SIDE.

BILL
DARBY FIRE PATROL#2
2004-05-12

Your lost will be felt all over the world. Remember that God has a reason for everything. You will always be in our prayers.

Police Officer Joe Smith
Kansas City, Mo Police Department
2003-10-11

To the family, friends and fellow Philadelphia Police officers of Det. Johnson, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

To Det. Johnson, thank you for your service. Though your no longer with us, we will never forget to honor what you gave. Rest now, and we will take it from here.

PSP Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
2003-09-21

Detective Johnson is safely home.... and months after this man's death, I am thinking of his family and friends.
May Peace be with you all.

Samantha
EMS; Youngstown, Ohio

We are truly saddened at your loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
The young ones now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Johnson family and the Philadelphia Police Department.

Officer Don W. Reichhardt #125
Virginia State University Police Department

Sorry my brother, you will be missed.

Anonymous

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Detective Johnson for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

Never forgotten.

1658
Knoxville Police Department, TN

May God bless you and your family and know that the world will always be a better place because there are men and woman like Anthony who will pay the ultimate sacrifice for everyone else's safety and freedom. Never forgotten.

Cst John Goedhuis
Greater Sudbury Police Service (Ont. CAN)

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Detective Johnson's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Anthony is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) Anthony was well respected and well loved. Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please take care of my fiance Dennis.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar
Deputy Dennis McElderry's fiancee (EOW 01/03/03)

Take comfort in knowing we all are one family.
Our department, and its' members, are there for you at all times.

Gresham Police Benevolent Group

Family,friends, and loved ones, we are all saddened by our loss. Keep his spirit and memories alive within you all for he is in a much better place now.

God Bless

Patrol Officer. R.Gomez
Pinecrest, Florida

To his family and friends, he is in a much better place, hanging out with God´s finest. Keep the memories close and he will never be far away.....May he rest in peace...
KY Peace Officer
Isaiah 40:31

You have done more for humanity than most. Godspeed and we will continue for you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

To the Philadelphia Police Department, and family of Detective Johnson. On behalf of the Newport Police Department and myself, please accept our most heartfelt condolences. Such a senseless tragedy.

Sincerely,
Lt. Mike Hansel
Newport Police Department - TN

Lt. Mike Hansel
Newport Police Department

I OFFICER EDWARD ONEILL WORKED WITH OFFICER TONY JOHNSON FOR THREE YEARS AT THE 18TH POLICE DIST. TONY WAS NOT ONLY MY PARTNER HE WAS MY FRIEND . WE SHARED A LOT OF TALKS ABOUT OUR FAMILY AND ABOUT THE JOBS WE HANDLED. OFFICER JOHNSON WAS A GREAT PERSON TO KNOW AND HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY MYSELF AND MY WIFE RUTHANN WHO HAS MET OFFICER JOHNSON ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. WHEN OFFICER TONY JOHNSON WAS SENT TO PAL FOR A WHILE MY SELF AND MY WIFE WOULD VIST WITH HIM AND THEY WOULD PLAY SOME BASKETBALL TOGETHER. OFFICER JOHNSON IS ONE PERSON EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN TO KNOW BECAUSE HE WAS A UPSTAND OFFICER WITH EVERYTHING HE DID ON DUTY OR OFF DUTY. MY BEST TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OFFICER TONY JOHNSON. HE MAYBE GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I AM NOW RETIRED FOR THE PHILA POLICE DEPT AFTER 36 YEARS OF DUTY. I AM SAD
THAT OFFICER TONY JOHNSON TOUR OF DUTY END SO SOON.

RETIRED
OFFICER EDWARD J ONEILL
BADGE#4478

EDWARD J ONEILL
PHILA POLICE DEPT 18TH DIST