CHARLESTOWN, Ind. — The city of Charlestown came together Monday to lay an officer to rest.
Detective Sergeant TeJuan “TJ” Johnson passed away last week due to COVID-19 complications.
"This is something we never would’ve ever expected. Of all the things we were worried about with him being a police officer, we never thought about this," Johnson's father, Reverend Fred Johnson said Monday during the memorial service.
Charlestown Police Chief Timothy Wolff described Johnson has a hard worker, and more candidly, as a prankster with an infectious laugh.
"I'll miss several things about TJ," he said. "What better guardian angel than TJ, to do just as he did in life, to protest us."
Following Sgt. Johnson’s Celebration of Life at Charlestown High School, which was closed to the public, his fellow officers carried him to the hearse to be driven through Charlestown one last time before his burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Many went out in the cold to line Main Street as the procession made its way towards the Charlestown Police Department.
"They stood out in the cold for us numerous nights. They do it every day," said Robin Cross.
"Charlestown is very close knit community and when something happens to one person it kind of happens to everybody," she explained.
Officers from other police departments across Indiana also made their way to Charlestown to pay their respects to Sgt. Johnson and show their support.
"It definitely lets you know that Indiana is home," said Commander Joe Hamer with the Indiana State FOP.
During the procession through downtown, Sgt. Johnson’s last call went out over police radio in front of the police station.
It was a reminder of the loss this community has felt before. Just two years ago, many stood in the same spot for the procession of Sgt. Ben Bertram, who died in the line of duty in December of 2018.
"It’s horrible, it’s absolutely devastating, I hope it’s something we never have to do again as a community," said Cross.
Charlestown honored Sergeant Johnson by lighting up their annual Christmas display in blue.
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