Many express sympathy for fallen San Jose Officer Johnson
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- So many people are expressing a lot of emotion about what happened to Officer Michael Johnson. The flowers and messages of support are coming in from everywhere and piling up in front of the building of the San Jose Police Department.
Soon blue light bulbs will become part of that tribute. People are replacing the lights on their porch and ones that shine into the front yard as a way to show solidarity and support for the officer's family.
The leadership of the Santa Cruz Police Department paid their respects after they met with San Jose Police Chief Larry Esquivel.
Two years ago, Santa Cruz was going through a similar tragedy when a suspect shot and killed a sergeant and a detective at close-range. The memorial service was so large, it was moved to the HP Pavilion, now called SAP Center.
Santa Cruz Chief Kevin Vogel says officers have to lean on each other when one of their own is killed in the line of duty. He told ABC7 News, "Using each other as sounding boards, to comfort one another, and to help you get through it. It's a very difficult thing for a police agency to go through."
Support is also coming from schools where flags are lowered and special messages posted.
"We hope that not only our officers that are on-site, but our officers everywhere around us in San Jose, get to see it and feel appreciated by our whole community," Burnett Middle School assistant principal Kristin Luz said.
PHOTOS: San Jose police escort body of fallen officer
Brittania Arms, a popular bar and restaurant, will do a fund-raiser next Thursday for the family at both of its San Jose locations.
"We want to make sure that this family is taken care of. Officers do so much for us, protect us, keep us safe, and as a community, we need to do something to help this family out through this tragic time," Brittania Arms co-owner Owen Nolan said.
SJPD post 'End of Watch' banner for fallen officer
A prayer vigil is being held on Friday night at city hall to show support for Officer Johnson's family and the police department. It starts at 8 p.m. The San Jose Police Department's Twitter page has more details of the Friday night vigil, as well as tweets expressing their gratitude and appreciation of the community's support.
If you would like to extend your condolences to the officer's family and the San Jose Police Department, click here. We've posted a badge on Facebook for you to share, to honor his memory and his service.
Donation Information
The SJPOA Charitable Foundation is accepting donations for the family of Michael Johnson. Please visit our website at:
www.sjpoa.com to make a donation online.
The Britannia Arms will be holding a fundraiser on April 2nd from 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM. ALL PROCEEDS during this time will be going to the family. The fundraiser will be held at both locations:
Britannia Arms - Downtown
173 W Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Britannia Arms - Almaden
5027 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118
The San Jose Earthquakes will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt following the team's match on April 5th (available to kids 10 and under with a ticket to the match). A donation bin will be set up at the Guest Services Center behind section 101. Following the match, fans can donate upon checking in for the Easter egg hunt. In addition, donations can be made at www.sjearthquakes.com.
All the donations will be coming to the SJPOA Charitable Foundation and then given to family.
