CHARLESTOWN, Ind. — The city of Charlestown is preparing to lay one of their own to rest.
Detective Sergeant TeJuan “TJ” Johnson passed away due to COVID-19 complications.
The public viewing was originally planned for Monday at 9 a.m. but now the city is asking people to attend Sunday’s 2 p.m. viewing at Charlestown High School due to COVID restrictions.
"We want to honor TJ as well as not dishonor him by taking a chance of someone catching this fatal disease that cost him his life,” Joe Hamer, Indiana State Police, said.
At the viewing, temperatures will be taken, social distancing and masks will be enforced. Only a certain amount of people will be allowed in the building.
Charlestown Police will be live streaming the service on Monday for the public to watch. Although the public cannot be in attendance on Monday, the Mayor of Charlestown, Treva Hodges is asking for the public to show their support.
"We are bound by COVID restrictions by how we can show our love and support. And to let them know that all of Charlestown is here for them. So I want to make sure that we stress to the people of Charlestown that lining that route, as TJ is taken from the high school to the his final resting place in New Washington is so incredibly important," she said.
Hodges is asking for everyone to wear their masks, and socially distance as they line the route.
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Officer Te’Juan Johnson died on Wednesday December 2 from coronavirus-related complications. The Charlestown Police Department announced the sad news on its Facebook page. Johnson, 47, had been with the department for 13 years, working as a narcotics detective, shift commander, bike patrol and field training office.
During an escort to Grayson Funeral Home, people lined the streets to pay their respects. The city is also honoring their lost hero. In the city center, Johnson's badge number is bright in lights. The mayor of Charlestown, Treva Hodges, said it will stay lit up until he is laid to rest.
Here's the visitation and funeral information, according to Grayson Funeral Home:
Visitation
Sunday, December 6, frm 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Charlestown High School
Visitation
Monday, December 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Charlestown High School
Life Celebration Funeral
Monday, December 7 at 12 Noon
Location: Charlestown High School
Burial: Crown Hill Cemetery in New Washington, IN.
Click on TeJuan Johnson for more information.
Anyone wishing to send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Te'Juan Fontrese Johnson is asked to visit the funeral home's floral store.
