Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Our spring member drive has ended, but it's not too late to give. You have the power to help fund the essential journalism that keeps us all informed. Help us close the gap on our spring fundraising goal! GIVE NOW

Sgt. Derek Johnson honored and laid to rest

Sgt. Derek Johnson was buried Friday in Sandy, Utah.
Taylor Halversen

Around 5,000 people filled the Maverick Center in West Valley City Friday to honor Draper police Sgt. Derek Johnson. He was killed while on duty early Sunday by a transient who also shot himself and his girlfriend.

With Scottish bagpipes leading the way, Johnson’s three brothers and other family members carried his body into the arena in a casket wrapped in an American flag as officers stood in salute.

Family and colleagues remembered Johnson during the public funeral as a kind man with a passion for his work and his young family.

Following the funeral service, Johnson’s body was taken in a motorcade of police cars and fire trucks to be buried at a cemetery in Sandy.

Johnson is survived by his six-year-old son, Bensen and wife, Shante Johnson.

Taylor Halversen is a senior at Utah State University, majoring in Communication Studies and Liberal Arts. She's from Sandy, Utah and is interested in discovering new and random things to try and attempting to live life wholly and healthily. She loves music and climbing anything from trees to mountains.