Sandy Police Law Enforcement Explorer Post 9550

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Our Explorers helped put purple bows around City Hall to bring awareness to domestic violence and show support for those who have been affected.

It’s a small reminder, but an important one. Domestic violence affects individuals, families, and communities, and awareness is one step toward helping break the cycle.

Great job by our Explorers for helping support this important cause.

Our Explorers spent some time helping out the Sandy PD SWAT Team with training scenarios.

It’s a great opportunity for our Explorers to see what goes into SWAT training and play a role in helping our officers prepare for real-world situations.

Another great experience for Post 9550!

Our Explorers helped with the presentation of the flags at yesterday's Sandy Police Department Awards Night.

They once again did a great job and represented Post 9550 well. We appreciate them stepping up and being willing to help with events like this. Great job, Explorers!

Today, we remember the 2,977 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The Sandy Police Explorers joined first responders in the 9/11 Stair Challenge, climbing 2,071 steps while the names of those who were lost were read aloud. 25 years later, their names are still being remembered and honored.

We will never forget.

Today is a good day to stop and remember.

The Healing Field in Sandy is covered with thousands of American flags, with each flag representing a person who lost their life in the September 11 attacks.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to walk through the field, we encourage you to take the time. Seeing all of those flags together is something that is difficult to explain. It is humbling, and it puts into perspective the incredible number of lives lost that day.

The flags will remain up through Monday. Take a few minutes, walk through the field, and remember the men, women, and children behind each flag.

We will always remember 💙

End of Watch:

September 1, 2013

Age: 32
Draper City Police Department
Homicide: Shooting

Sergeant Derek R. Johnson was shot and killed while on uniformed patrol in the early morning hours of September 1, 2013.

At about 6:00 a.m., Sergeant Derek R. Johnson encountered a disabled car with two occupants at 13200 South and Fort Street in Draper. As he stopped, the suspect ambushed Sergeant Johnson and fired multiple rounds at him. Sergeant Johnson was struck once and managed to accelerate his patrol vehicle away from the scene. Sergeant Johnson attempted to call for help on his radio, but eventually lost consciousness and lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a tree in an open field.

Officers responded to the call for help and located Sergeant Johnson’s crashed vehicle. Officers forced his car door open and pulled him from the car. Officers and paramedics attempted CPR; however, he succumbed to his wounds. After shooting Sergeant Johnson, the suspect shot his female passenger and then himself. The couple survived and were charged with his murder. The suspect later pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. His female companion pleaded guilty to felony obstruction of justice charges.

Sergeant Johnson was married and the father of a six-year-old son. He served with the Draper Police Department for nine years. He is the first Draper City officer to die in the line of duty. Sergeant Johnson is buried in Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

The bronze memorial name plaque of Sergeant Derek R. Johnson is sponsored by the Draper Police Department.

https://utahsfallen.org/derekr-johnson/

A big congratulations to Explorer Parish on completing probation last week!

Parish has been putting in the time, learning the ropes, and becoming an important part of the Sandy Explorer team. We’re glad to have Parish with us and can’t wait to see what comes next.

Congratulations to Explorer Solis on successfully completing probation last week!

We’re proud of the work, dedication, and effort Solis has put into the program so far. We’re excited to see what’s ahead and look forward to watching Solis continue to grow with the Sandy Explorers.

Last week, Explorers Morgan, Crump, and Smith were officially sworn in. We’re excited to welcome them to the program and look forward to seeing them grow, learn, and serve alongside the team.

Congratulations to all three on this important milestone!

Leadership

The Sandy Explorers were honored to participate in the 20th Annual Memorial Ride honoring Utah officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

It was a meaningful day to come together, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and show our continued support for their families and fellow officers.

We are grateful to be part of an event that keeps their names and memories alive.