Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

He was such a good young gentleman use to come into my video store with his brother think of him often and pray for his brother and family

Vivian Omahan
Friend

July 6, 2022

Officer Patterson,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Winter Haven. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 8, 2022

Officer Patterson,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Winter Haven. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 8, 2022

Officer Patterson,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Winter a Haven. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 8, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Patterson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 8, 2019

On this day, sadly we attend another brothers funeral in Highlands County. Another brother offering a blanket of protection over us all. I met you just three days before you were taken from us but I think of you often. You served as a warrior as did your father and sister. I will never forget you or your family. Rest in peace.

Sergeant Dale Deas
Lakeland Police Department

May 15, 2018

Your family are always in my prayers. I had you; your father and your sister all in classes. You would have been proud of them as they were of you!!!
Look over us all from Haven!!

Thomas Gleason
Retired state of florida

May 3, 2016

God Bless Officer Patterson, his family and friends. "I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom." Abraham Lincoln

Officer Jeffrey Blose
Lake Alfred Police Department

March 8, 2014

It's been 19 years since we were in the police academy together. What a genuine, fun-loving and good hearted person he was. I'll always remember, Johnnie.

Alan Hebdon
Former Police Officer

December 31, 2013

Johnnie, it has been 16 years since you were taken from us. It seems like yesterday we were patrolling the city together. You will always be remembered and missed. Thank you so much for allowing me to call you a friend. Many lives are better because you were part of them. I will always miss you and hope one day to see you again.

Former Police Officer Tim Yancey

March 8, 2013

I will never forget the day we laid you to rest. I saw so much love, respect and honor for you, our fallen hero. While riding in the limo on the way to the cemetary I was in awe at all the people lining the streets, saluting you and your bravery. Everyone with pride in their eyes and tears in their hearts. One man in particular will always stay with me. He was sitting in a wheel chair at the side of the road with his hand at his forhead in a salute to you when suddenly he started struggling to stand. I watched as people standing next to him ran over to him, helped him to stand staight and tall so that he could honor you proudly. To this day I cry whenever I think of him honoring you, our wonderful nephew, Johnnie.

Sylvia Pappas
Aunt

March 8, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Officer Patterson, we will never forget the sacrifice that you made for all of us. HEROES live forever...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

March 8, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Patterson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Dear Johnnie - I was three years removed from law enforcement, and working for an insurance company in Winter Haven. I came to work with the flags at half staff and inquired as to why. My heart went out for you, as I believe once a police offiicer always a police officer. It takes courage and dedication, may you rest in peace....

Jim Killoran

December 7, 2011

Johnnie was in class with us earlier that night. I think the class was on domestic violence, it was the last night of a two week class and we were happy it was finally over; we were making plans to go out and celebrate a bit, Johnnie mentioned he could not go with us because he was pulling a midnight shift, he wanted to go but he did not mention his Dad was waiting on him so what a shock the next day when he was gone! Unbelieveable! At work many many inmates told me they knew that scum that shot him, that he was extremely hardened and vowed when he got out he would never ever be put back in prison...should have gotten the death penalty.

Sgt(retired) N. Luckey
Fl Department of Corrections

November 8, 2011

Johnnie,

The night you were taken from us, I had a dream that someone had died, close to us. Not sure who but someone. The next morning, my mom woke me and told me that you were murdered. It was horrible. Even though we are family, I did not get to know you as much as I wanted too. I will never forget when Lori and I were sitting in Houston watching TV and your name and picture flashed on the news that they were looking for your killer. It was heart wrenching. You are in my thoughts daily and you will never be forgotten. I will always regret not coming to Florida to say good bye to you. I love you Johnnie.

Amy Patterson
Cousin, Texas

August 9, 2011

In Memory Of Patrol Officer Johnnie Norris Patterson Jr.
I had the honor to do a ride along with his father Johnnie Patterson Sr. who is also an Officer for Winter Haven PD. He spoke of this event for a brief moment. I had know Ideal he was 10-12 at the time of the incident.
Rest in Peace Officer Patterson.

Glenn Denico

March 21, 2011

Time does not heal the pain in the hearts of those left behind, but may you know that we will never forget your hero. Continue to rest in peace Officer Patterson...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

March 8, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 8, 2010

Never forgotten.

Laura
Philadelphia, PA

December 4, 2009

Johnnie, I still view this website daily. Three days ago we all remembered Sgt. Land who was killed in an on duty motor cycle accident. Each time I view David's site I will check on you too. We attended the academy together (Core 19) and everyone became close. You were our quiet recruit but none the less you still fit right in with everyone else.
You were working for W.H.P.D. and I was working in Auburndale. I will never forget the traffic that came over our radio that night. I just wanted to say thank you for protecting the town my parents lived in. Rest in peace my brother, and may the Lord continue to provide comfort for your family.

Sgt. Richard J. Wiggins
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office

April 1, 2009

Johnnie its been over 11 years since you past.... you dont know hard its been since your not here....every year on the 8th of March we all break down knowin that you didnt come home safe to us. We always visit you... I hope you are doin good...My mom became a cop not to long after papa....I soon hope to follow... It is really hard to write this because I know you cant read it but I felt like I should... I always get told the story how I use to steal your popcorn when you were readin the news paper...those are days I wish I could have remembered.... and all the times you take me for a ride on Fritz...Johnnie I miss you!



I love you with all my heart,
Taylor

taylor
niece

September 10, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Cadets of the Basic Recruit Class 333 of Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, Tallahassee, FL, thank you for your sacrifice.

Cadet Strzalkowski
Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy

March 30, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 11, 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

October 8, 2007