Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I still miss you brother. It's been 24 years tomorrow since you left us. I still miss you so much. I Love you. From your baby sister.

Juanita Massey
Sister

July 10, 2023

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 11, 2020

Memorial Day Weekend 2020...I think of you numerous times throughout the year(s), Miss you Marine...Semper Fi!

D.B. HADDIX
BCSO 1992-2000

May 24, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Johnson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 21, 2019

Everyday men in blue put their lives on the line. While we sleep soundly, safely they may be in a horrendous life threatening situation. Their wives and children have repercussions from their living with a laymen from peers. A loss such as this means we all lose a little of society, yet another brave soul steps up to the Call! My deepest condolences!

Investigator (former)
Miss. Attorney General's office/ Jackson Police Department

July 11, 2019

Nearly 19 years has passed and I know you would be very proud of the way your children have turned out. Your son carries on your legacy of service before self. So many will forever miss you Don. I'm sorry that I couldn't get back to the States for your funeral but I stop by your grave, your etched name in Washington, DC, and your memorial off 388 over the years. You will not be forgotten. Love, your cousin.

CW3 JASON WARD
U.S. ARMY

June 2, 2018

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

I still miss you Don. It has been over 16 years. Hard to believe how time flies so fast. I bet you are watching over your children and grandchildren.

Juanita Massey
Sister

November 23, 2015

It's been 15 years ... sometimes it seems like much longer. I had only been at the Sheriff's Office 7 months when this tragedy occurred. I was new to Law Enforcement and the whole experience of a Fallen Officer funeral. I attended the funeral with my new law enforcement family and grieved along with them (though I didn't actually know Deputy Don Johnson). It was a sad and emotionally draining day and my heart hurt for this precious family. However, it wasn't until about 6:15 that evening that I would realize how connected I would really be to this tragedy. You see, that's when I received the phone call that my Memere (grandmother) had just passed away. She lived here in Panama City and I had seen her a few days earlier. She wasn't even sick. I miss my Memere terribly and think of her often. However, thinking of her isn't at all possible without thinking of Deputy Don Johnson and his family.

I say all that, to say this ...

This year, there was "this voice" on the radio. There was nothing out of the ordinary about it ... it was just "this voice". I knew nothing about the person on the other end of "this voice", but I liked him. As anyone who has ever dispatched knows, there are the voices that you don't mind hearing and then there's the "other" ones. "This voice" I liked ... and this kid was good!! He hadn't been a deputy for long, but he handled things and he handled them well. As it turns out, the kid on the other end of "the voice" ... Deputy Justin Johnson. I absolutely love this kid!! There is no doubt in my mind, that Deputy Don Johnson is beaming with pride. He is following in his dad's footsteps and honoring his dad with every step!! Be proud Sir ... be very proud!! No doubt you're watching over him and keeping him safe!!

Dana Hebner - Dispatch Supervisor
Bay County Sheriff's Office

July 20, 2014

Here it is again...another year since you we taken from us needlessly. Can't believe it has been 14 years. Think of you often and miss our weekly phone calls. Keep in touch with your children. They have grown into such beautiful adults with children of their own. You would be so proud of them both. Until we meet again...miss you buddy.

Nancy Ward Hills
Cousin

July 11, 2013

I remember the day that this tragedy occurred. I was a Deputy with Bay County at the time and it was such a terrible time for not only BCSO but for " The Thin Blue Line " I served 16 years in Law Enforcement before retiring several years ago and it's truly a family ! You have to learn to trust each other because your very life depends upon it ! Deputy Johnson, you are certainly not forgotten !! Brother, may you Rest in Peace and I pray that God will continue to comfort those you left behind..
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
God Bless !!

Lieutenant ( Ret ) H.D. Dotson
JCSO Kentucky

November 3, 2012

Thinking of you on the anniversary of your death. You were taken from us too soon. I will never forget that day 13 years ago when my dad called to tell me the devastating news. But I know you are in a better place and are looking down on all of us, especially Salve, Justin, and Connie. You have such a wonderful family who miss you very much.

Nancy Ward Hills
Cousin

July 11, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Deputy Johnson, we will never forget the sacrifice that you made for all of us.

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

July 11, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Johnson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

Dad,

I still miss you and want you to know that I am going to be following in your footsteps and picking up where you left off. I will have my Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology in December and will be starting the police academy in January. I miss you everyday and think about you. One day, we will meet again in Heaven. I love you so much.

Justin Johnson
Son

October 29, 2011

Thinking of you Jr. on the anniversary of your death. I miss you and our phone calls to catch up. Wish we could still have those calls. I loved hearing about your family and how Justin and Connie were doing. I know you were very proud of them and Salve. You would be proud of the young adults they have become. Miss you and think of you often.

Nancy Ward Hills
cousin

July 11, 2011

Dear friend and neighbor, you were always willing to help, and always with a smile. You've left behind a beautiful family and many friends. You were taken too soon in an accident that could have and should have been avoided. We will always hold you in our fondest memories. Miss you Don, it hasn't been the same since you quit riding up in the afternoon on your bike. Until we meet again.....

In His Love,
Beckie

Beckie Salter-Campbell
Friend and neighbor

May 4, 2011

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you so much. The years go by so fast and we're all growing up. The last time I had seen you I can't even remember, all I know is that I was 8 years old, I'm 20 now..about to be 21. I wish you were here to help me through everything, I hope to see you in heaven when it's my time to go home to you. I love you so much <3

Connie Johnson
Daughter

May 4, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in 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.

In reading your reflections, I can see that you were an amazing person who is loved and missed by many. I pray for their solace for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

This reflection is written with the utmost respect for the service you gave to your community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on July 11, 1999.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010

Well Don another year has come and gone. It seems just yesterday you were so excited telling us all that you were finally going to "motors". All your friends down here still miss you and think of you often.

Asst. Manager Leigh Brandt
Panama City Police Department

December 29, 2009

Don, it has now been over 10 years and I still miss you so much. It is so unfair that the woman that hit you got off with a suspended license for 6 months and a fine. I hope you welcomed dad to heaven last year and the two of you are probably doing some great work together there. I love you forever, my brother.

Juanita Johnson-Haynes
Sister

September 17, 2009

Well Don here I am, picking up the badge where you left off.It has been a long time since you were stripped from our family.But I'll tell you one thing, we all still miss you more than ever!I can say that you have inspired me to persue my dream of being a police officer, and your death has only strengthened that dream.I wish you could see your children now, my how they have grown.Your daughter is a real beauty queen and your son is quite a young man!It has only been a short while since your father came to visit you in Heaven, but your mom is doing great.The sheriffs office was spectacular in their service when you died, and I can only begin to say how much they helped our family!We miss you Don and may you rest in peace.Thanks to all my new brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community and may you be safe on duty and in all that you do!

Officer James Vaughan
Panama City Beach Police Dept.

August 7, 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

December 9, 2007

DEPUTY JOHNSON, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 21, 2007

Hey Don...Its very hard to believe its been over 8 years since I have seen your smiling face. I hope your wife kids are doing well. I am sure they miss you terribly. I think of you often, mainly when I am driving on Hwy 388 or when I have to send units on a dangerous call. I pray you are helping God watch over them. Sure do miss you Don.

Asst Communications Manager Leigh Brandt
Panama City Police Department

July 31, 2007