Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Michael Walter Johnson

Vermont State Police, Vermont

End of Watch Sunday, June 15, 2003

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Reflections for Sergeant Michael Walter Johnson

Hey Mike,

Happy birthday. You're in my thoughts everyday. As another year rolls around I can't help but think about how you continue to impact the lives of your friends and family. I speak proudly and fondly about you every chance I get with a heavy heart, a tear in my eye and a smile for how very deeply you've touched my life. Had a nice time with the family in June in your honor. I miss you Pal.

I Love you my brother,

Bob

Capt. Bob DiGenova
Friend

December 17, 2008

Happy Birthday Mike, miss you every day.

Uncle Don

Anonymous

December 15, 2008

Happy Birthday. I love you, and I really miss you. We could all especially use your help right now.

Patti
sister

December 13, 2008

Happy Birthday, Michael. I love you and I miss you!!

Dan Johnson
brother

December 10, 2008

Sgt. Johnson,
I had the pleasure of walking with your sister & sister-in-law this past weekend as we participated in the COPS WALK. I heard many funny stories about you and also what a great guy you were. Sorry I had to meet your family through this but I was honored to walk with them in memory of you, Calvin & all the other officers killed in the line of duty. Thanks for your service - you will never be forgotten!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor NCSHP

October 16, 2008

Michael, Patti and I just got back from our first COPS Walk, it was amazing. We knew you were with us the entire time giving us the strenght to walk 25 miles knowing that you were there for us pushing us along. We miss you so much and we love you.

Chrissy Johnson
Sister - n -law

October 13, 2008

Hi. Chrissy and I walked for you this weekend. 25 miles. The entire group raised over $150,000 for COPS. Every day I miss you, and that will never change. I meet incredible people every day, and many have them have helped me in ways I didn't think possible. Now it's time for us to give back to them. I love you.

Patti
sister

October 13, 2008

MJ just thinking about how much you are missed........

Lt MCMacarilla
VSP

October 7, 2008

Your example of dedication to duty is what we strive for. You are an example to us all as what a Police Officer should strive for. We have the watch up north.
God Speed

D 1/C Griswold
FCSO/ BROTHER OFFICER

October 1, 2008

Happy Father's Day

Melissa
Cousin

June 16, 2008

Mike! Today is 5 years! I miss you sooo much. I wish I could see you again, I would love for my family to know you, especially my son Tyler. Whenever he see's a police car or a police man he gets so excited and always asks a million questions...if only you were here...If we could only go back in time and change that horific day! I miss you and I Luv you bud!

Love Always,
Laura

Laura Allen
A friend

June 15, 2008

5 years. Mike. I think of you every day. I miss you, brother and I love you.

Dan Johnson
brother

June 15, 2008

Hi Mike, 5 years tomorrow! I talk to you every day! Anytime I see a uniform,an EQ, a barracks. Today is Whitcomb's graduation. This will be the 5th year I give out a scholarship in your name to a Whitcomb graduate. A total of 8 now. The last time the boys went to the Aud was when you coached them! I look forward to seeing Kerrie and the kids tomorrow! Love you , Sandy

Sandy Gilderdale
friend

June 14, 2008

Hi Michael. There are days when it seems like you were here yesterday, and other days when I feel like you've been gone forever. This is a particularly difficult week, as things are happening just as they happened 5 years ago. We will honor you as a family on Sunday. You are missed by so many every day. I love you.

Patti
sister

June 13, 2008

Mike-
5 years now. WOW, it doesn't seem possible. We thought things might get a little easier. How wrong we were. We miss you more as every day passes. You are Dad's first greeting every morning. Patti's wedding, about the 3rd song-"Jumping Jack Flash"-brought back University of Scranton days. You are always in our thoughts and our hearts. Give anything for a smile and a hug.

Love you Mike.

Mom and Dad

June 10, 2008

Hey. It's early in the morning, and the sun is shining. I thank you so much for this day, because I know you were instrumental in this happening. You will be sorely missed today, but I know you're watching and smiling. I love you.

Patti
sister

May 24, 2008

Dearest Michael, it's so hard to believe that it's been 5 years this June...we think of you and Kerrie and the kids all the time...you are sorely missed by all...

Paris
friend

April 28, 2008

Mike, I miss you soooo much!!!

love ya,
Laura

Laura Allen
Friend

April 20, 2008

Mike, I miss you soooo much!!!

love ya,
Laura

Laura Allen
Friend

April 20, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 1, 2008

Hi Friend,

For a few minutes, in my mind, you were back the other night. I was asked to cover the CVU/Burlington basketball game due to some potential issues. As I stood there, the double doors opened and there you were. The look, the smile and that Johnson swagger could not be mistaken. It didn't dawn on me for a minute that it couldn't be you. After several moments of feeling fortunate that in some way you were paying a visit, I realized that I was, in fact, in the presence of your brother Matt. The joy turned to saddness but it was quickly changed by going over old memories. You would have been proud of Matt, he has molded an great team this year. Take care buddy.

Officer Eickenberg
Shelburne PD

January 29, 2008

Rest in Peace Sgt. Johnson. I remember being on duty that evening in Bradford N.H., since the two towns were often confused, and we were put on alert that the suspect was or had NH ties and may be back through. At the time of the BOLO we did not know you had passed, that tragic infromation came later. The suspect headed the other way, but I remember the time standing still when the tone went off for the notification on the radio. God bless you, your family and the VSP.

Ofc. Aaron P. Sparks #185
Newbury Police Department N.H.

January 27, 2008

Rest in Peace!

Police Corporal Matt Lyons (Historian)
Oceanside Police Department, Cal

January 21, 2008

Mike, just a refelction to let you know I was thinking of you. I remember your easy going and good natured way while in the Vermont State Police Academy. As well as running with you in a competitive fashion during the academy. You were a credit to yourself, your family and the Vermont State Police. My heart goes out to you and your family. Rest in Peace, Steve

Sgt. Stephen Lyons
City of Westbrook, Maine Police Dept.

January 16, 2008

Mike,
You have been with me for some very special moments these past 3 months, thanks for looking out for your boy! You were my motivation, and my accomplishments are dedicated to you. I met some great people and soon realized why I clicked with them, they each had a little bit of 'Mike Johnson' in them and I let them know how special that is for me. As promised I dedicate my service to you, and will continue to let those who touch my life know how special you are. Another Christmas with a heavy heart I say, Merry Christmas Buddy, keep that front row seat so you can share in the joy of Christmas with all of your family and friends who I know will be thinking about you and feeling your presence. I miss you alot.

I love you Pal,

Bobby D.

December 24, 2007

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