Police Officer Larry Don Johnson, Sparks Police Department, Nevada

Police Officer Larry Don Johnson

Sparks Police Department, Nevada

End of Watch Monday, May 22, 1995

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Larry Don Johnson

Police Officer Larry Johnson was shot and killed while chasing a man who had attempted to rob a bar.

The subject had just been paroled one month earlier and was on bail after an arrest since his parole. He was chased into a residential area by another officer and exchanged gunfire with the officer.

Officer Johnson and other officers responded to the scene and began searching for the man. During the search, the subject and Officer Johnson exchanged shots, and Officer Johnson was fatally wounded on Greenbrae Drive. Other officers on the scene returned fire and killed the subject.

Officer Johnson had served with the Sparks Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his son and daughter.

Bio

Age 44
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

foot pursuit, parolee, robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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Larry was a one of a kind. Heart of gold.. Check. Man of unquestionable integrity.. Check. Loving family man.. Check. Honorable by all counts.. Check

Officer Johnson was a true asset to the city of sparks for decades. Dedicated to the public and his fellow officers. My parents both worked for s.p.d throughout 3 plus decade time. My step father started the PD in about 1970. Anyone remember the C street department?
Why does terrible things happen to great people?
Larry Don was always smiling, always graceful when interacting with anyone he came across.

About 9 am may 22 1995 Larry was responding to a call on rock and B street. When I saw him he came over to do his normal fun heckling and see how I was doing that morning. After a short chat, Larry shook my hand, said "behave now" and heading back to his cruiser. Then he paused and walked back the few steps he'd taken and said "hey one more thing". "I have something for you". He walked back to me, shook my hand again, and this time, in his palm he handed me a gold guardian angel pin. Which I immediately placed on the bill of my hat. Unbeknownst to me it would be the last time id see Larry. I may have been a troubled kid of a fellow officer and c.s.r but he treated me like I was just a normal kid. Unlike some of the other officers that targeted fellow officers kids to "shame" their fellow officers. Larry cared, he always cared. enough to not jump to judgements, or stereotypes.
We had some fun going to the placerville law enforcement demolition derby, or even just an event at Victorian Square.
Officer Larry Don Johnson was a local HERO, who gave his life protecting his community.
He will always have a place in my heart and never be forgotten.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF LARRY DON JOHNSON
AN OFFICER THAT MOST ALL OTHERS SHOULD STRIVE TO BE MORE LIKE.

YOU ARE MISSED DEARLY
Rest in paradise Larry

K. Williams
Friend

January 4, 2025