Police Funeral for Sgt Johnson

Where do I start, What an emotional day!  I love Jake more then anything in this world. He is an amazing Man, who has a heart of gold and is such a great person.  I worry about him, I worry about his job, but I pray and I know that Jake listens to the spirit, so I have faith that he will be watched over and protected, but there is always that small piece of worry that never leaves you.  You hear of something scary happen and you pray it doesn’t involve him.  You try and call and he doesn’t answer and you panic. 

Then Sunday, I wake up and look at KSL and see that a Draper Police Officer has been shot, nowhere does it say if this officer is dead or alive.  My heart sinks, I fear the worst … we know some Draper Officers, I panic.  I msg my friend and ask her if she knows, her brother in law works for Draper, she informs me that he was shot and killed.  I lost it, I cried forever.  Why!!!  She tells me who it is, her brother in laws best friend, I lose it again.  I’ve run into him a few times, but don’t know him, but they do, some of Jake’s co-workers are friends with him, they are all struggling. 

I hug Jake all day, and ask him not to die.  Please don’t leave me without you, that’s all I ask, please don’t!  He just laughs and says you can’t control it.  All week I am so sad.  The flags were very helpful, putting them up was heart warming, it was so neat to see my kids so excited to serve. 

I knew I wanted to go to the funeral with Jake, to support him and to see the unity in the Police Officers.  We asked Marshall if he would like to go and he was very excited.  He loved it.  We met at the Sherrifs Office and went over the plans, then we headed to the Maverick Center.  It is really neat to see all the officers in there best uniforms.  There were a lot of Officers, from all over.  The funeral was very nice, lots of wonderful stories about Sgt Johnson and a beautiful song was sung.  A few words were given my a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, which was neat.  The Bag Pipes being played, all the officers at attention while the casket was brought in brought me to tears.  Seeing all these men, who are so strong, break down with tears, was overwhelming for me.  The neatest part for me, was the precession from the funeral to the graveside.  We were towards the first half, there was nothing but lights and sirens as far as I could see in front of me and behind me.  There were several people stopped on the side of the freeway with there hand on their hearts, or waving an American flag, or mouthing thank you!  It was very overwhelming.  On the overpass there were fire trucks parked with the firemen on top saluting as we drove by.  Then we got to 12300 S and I lost it.  There were hundreds of people lining the streets holding signs, flags, waving, crying, and the support was over the top.  I just sat there and bawled like a baby. 

The cemetery was just as wonderful, they dedicated the grave, did the guns, the helicopters flew over, and then they did the “last call”.  If you want to see a bunch of men and women in uniform weep, the last call will do it.  It was so sad.  I took video, but it was the middle to end, I’ll post it, it was very touching!!!  They had lots of flags at the cemetery and each flag had a Motorcycle group person next to it, there to support the officers.  As we walked up and I saw these men and women standing in a huge square around the gravesite, almost like they were protecting it, I cried some more.  Seeing all the officers in a line from the casket in the car to the gravesite at attention(salute, can’t think of what it is called), was a very humbling site.

I am thankful for our LEO’s, they really are our hero’s.  They do more then we know and they are willing to risk there lives to keep us safe.  Today I hugged Jake tighter, held his hand stronger and didn’t want to leave his side.  I am thankful for him, and all he does.  He is a hero, and I am so lucky to have him as my husband. 

This was near the Maverick Center as we approached it.  Very Cool!

 This was outside the Maverick Center after the funeral as they were getting ready to bring out the casket.

 This was along I-215, how awesome of these men.

 This was an overpass on the freeway, he stood like this for over an hour.

 This gentlemen was at the exit ramp on 12300 S in Draper.

 They were on the opposite side of the soldier.

 all along 12300 S.

 This is a video as we drove along and I bawled.

 The motorcycle group standing ground at the flags.  Not Police Motors, but just a motorcycle group.  Most were a bit hard looking with tats, that later were crying just like everyone else, it was neat to see!!!

 Hard to see, but the helicopters flying over.  3 go straight and one goes off on its own, to symbolize the Officer that died, very touching.

Excuse my phone aimed at this gals Butt.  That wasn't my intention.  This is half way through, they have already called out on the radio two times for the officer, with no response back.  I was bawling and the wind was blowing, so it is a bit noisy. 10-42 means end of shift.  That is what you call out when you are done and headed home from your shift.

I don't know why my videos aren't working.  But here is a link to it on fox 13  http://fox13now.com/2013/09/06/dispatcher-makes-last-call-for-fallen-officer-johnson/
And then you don't have to look at her behind :)

 Everyone leaving afterwards.

 Flags at Draper PD

 Memorial where the officer died.

 All of the officers as they were bringing out the casket.

 Sorry, this one I stole from someone.  These guys are in my video.  VEry cool!!

 Another picture I stole.

 and another of the motors all lined up.  There were 130+ motor guys.

As I said before, this was humbling, and sad, and uplifting.  This Officer was a very good guy, and has an amzing family.  They said they are not grieving, they are celebrating his life, because he led a good life.  A lot of the things they said reminding me so much of Jake, which made me cry even harder.  He was an AMAZING POLICE OFFICER, we need more like him.  He was so happy, positive and gave everyone a fair chance without judging them.  I am so glad Marshall was able to participate in this and hope he never has the opportunity to again!  We don't need to lose anymore LEO's in the line of duty!

Service

I have always taught my kids about service and why we serve, and why it is important.  I have also taught my kids why Dad is a police Officer and why they are important.  On Sunday when we heard that Officer Johnson was killed while on duty and was ambushed, I was a mess.  My kids didn’t understand why I was so upset.  I told them everything, how he died, why I felt the way I did, and why I worry about Jake.  I didn’t want to scare them, but I wanted them to know that everytime Dad goes to work he is truly putting his life on the line to protect and serve our community.  That without Police Officers,  this town would be a mess.  How many people do you know that before they go to work they have to put on a Bullet Proof Vest because they don’t know what is waiting for them??  I wanted to make a difference, even if small, and do something to help.  So Jake and I took the kids to Colonial Flag to help roll the flags and get them ready.  When we got there they were about done, so we didn’t help much, but our intentions were good.  The following day Jake was working Patrol in Draper, so I took the kids to Draper to help line the street with flags.  My kids helped from 6pm to 9pm with hardly any breaks.  They were amazing.  We went over 5 miles up hill in the heat and they didn’t complain not even once!!  It was an amazing experience and one my kids will not forget.  

This was very emotional, very good experience I will never forget!