Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

August 15, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Latoya did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Latoya be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Johnson's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. 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. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Latoya 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!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Latoya was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Officer Johnson for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

August 15, 2004

Rest in peace Sister Latoya, you are a true hero and will never be forgottwen. thank you for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

August 15, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of P.O. Latoya Johnson.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

August 14, 2004

Heartfelt sympathies to PO Johnsons family and her brother and sister officers.

MCY947
Suffolk County PD, Highway Patrol

August 14, 2004

Toya,

It was a pleasure to serve with you. Your laugh and smile made that summer academy a lot more fun. I remember when you screamed "Brooklyn" as you crossed the finish line during OC certification, or the day you brought your daughter's baby chicken to your tour of duty after she left it in your vehicle. I'll carry those memories forever.

Rest in peace up there, we'll take the watch down here.

Detective Nicholas Gernon First District
New Orleans Police Department

August 14, 2004

The entire world lost another HERO today, as did the state of La. May GOD bless your family and friends now. Thank you for protecting and serving! Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts-Oakdale, La.
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

August 14, 2004

TOYA,I KNEW THAT YOU WERE A FIGHTER, A WARRIOR! I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU. CHARISMA EMANATED OUT OF YOUR PORES. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TIMES WE SPENT TOGETHER. YOU ARE MY HERO. YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING. YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION TO STILL BECOME A BETTER POLICE OFFICER. YOU ARE NEW ORLEANS FINEST. YOU ARE MISSED BY MANY, BUT NO ONE SHARED THE TIMES OR MOMENTS WE SHARED TOGETHER. FOREVER A TRUE FRIEND WILLIAM "BILLY" TORRES.

P. O. I William Torres
New Orleans Police Department

August 13, 2004

Toya you are truly missed may God watch over you and your family. Your friend Gemaule #1081

g. mayberry
nopd

August 13, 2004

To the family, coworkers and friends of Ofc. Johnson. I know your pain, I feel your anger. But just remember, We all lost a family member who gave her love of others for the community. She served you well. She served us well. God Bless all of my brothers and sisters who wear our symbol of courage and integrity. May God let you lead your fellow coworkers into the path of strength and safety. Im sorry for your loss. Here in Bossier City we lost one too. So I do know how you feel and Im right beside you in your thoughts. You are all in my prayers. Stay safe.

Cpl. M. Szempruch
Bossier City Police Dept.

August 13, 2004

You have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Know that we will take it from here. Rest in peace sister you will never be forgotten.

Lieutenant
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.

August 13, 2004

Rest in Peace, we will continue your watch.

PTLM Andrew Hill
Center Twp Police, PA

August 13, 2004

God Bless Officer Johnson for her dedicated service. I pray for the family of this fine officer.

Captain Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Department, NC

August 13, 2004

WE ARE GRIEVING TOO AT THE BOSSIER CITY POLICE DEPT., LA., FOR AN OFFICER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO EVERYONE AT N.O.P.D. AND TO OFFICER JOHNSON'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

ANONYMOUS
BOSSIER CITY POLICE DEPT.

August 13, 2004

rest in peace we got it from here
"blessed are the peace makers"
-matthew 5:9

patrolman
lakeland police dept

August 13, 2004

Our deepest condolences to the Family, friends and co-workers of Officer Johnson

Newark NJ PD Auto Theft Task Force

August 13, 2004

Rest easy, The watch is ours now.

Officer
Atlanta Police

August 13, 2004

To Family and Friends of Officer Johnson, My Prayers are with you. May God Bless you and May your love one rest in peace.
D. Jones
Mother of Officer Ron Jones
EOW 12/26/01

August 13, 2004

My heart is with you as you read this. Everyone. If you are even on this website, then that means that this is hurting you, so my heart is with u. To the family of Latoya, I to am an officer, so I know the risk that we take daily. What destroyed me the most besides the fact that Latoya was a sister in blue was that surprisingly, her and my girlfriend have the same name.Her name is Latoya Johnson and my girls name is Latoya Johnston, and in addition, they are both 27.

I know everyone is telling you that u have their condolences, and u are hearing it a lot, but I will say this once again, you have my heart. Our baby is with the ultimate CREATOR. Who better to be with than HIM.

If I had a wish to be granted, it would be to ask all of these heartless people a simple question. What does it take? What will it take to change the essence of mans thinking? My GOD help us all as we take on our daily fight. I truly wish I could hug all who have suffered. I wish it was more than I could do, but you will all be in my prayers. I promise. Keep your faith strong guys. Our baby is in a better place.

PO Jason D. Chandler
New York City Police Dept.

August 13, 2004

God bless hero, rest in peace

G Watts
SFPD Tenderloin Task Force

August 13, 2004

To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers of this Officer:

On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Blessings Always,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks

August 13, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Police Officer Latoya Johnson and the New Orleans Police Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Latoya... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman and Pooky -Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

August 13, 2004

Latoya I had the Honor of meeting you at a Clinic for Drug Screens of NOPD and I always remember your beautiful smile and joy that you spread throughout the Clinic May God Bless You and Your Wings will Protect your fellow Officers now.

August 12, 2004

GOD BLESS 10-7

UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE

August 12, 2004

Rest easy sister in blue, you served well

Detective K. Resler
Clearwater Police Department

August 12, 2004