LAPD Officer Killed in Collision Is Eulogized
A newlywed Los Angeles motorcycle officer struck and killed by a pickup truck while chasing a traffic violator was eulogized Thursday by Police Chief Willie L. Williams as “the ultimate cop” who set an example for all.
“In spite of the tears and the hurt,” Williams told mourners at Trinity Baptist Church, “it is a glorious day, a very special day, because we are celebrating the life of a Los Angeles Police Department officer.”
Van Johnson, a nine-year department veteran assigned to the West Traffic Division, was killed Feb. 5 while patrolling Koreatown in response to citizen complaints of speeding vehicles and cars making illegal turns.
Johnson, 31, was chasing a traffic violator when a pickup struck him.
Williams said Johnson “exemplified the ideals that we all should emulate. . . . The memory of him will remain with all of you, with all of his colleagues and his friends and his co-workers forever.”
Johnson was married to sheriff’s Deputy Felicia Miller.
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