Draper City Police Department
Public Information Office Phone: 801-576-6300
1020 East Pioneer Road Fax: 801-576-6372
Draper, Utah 84020 Dispatch: 801-840-4000
Media Advisory
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2013
NEWS RELEASE
Sergeant Johnson Memorial Tree on Display at City Hall
DRAPER, Utah. The Sergeant Derek Johnson Memorial Tree is now on display at Draper City Hall and the public is invited to view the tree daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Draper City Hall is located at 1020 E. Pioneer Road (12400 South), Draper, Utah. The memorial tree was decorated by the family of fallen Police Officer Derek Johnson, who lost his life in the line of duty on September 1, 2013.
“We are honored to display the Sergeant Derek Johnson memorial tree in the lobby of our City Hall. It is a fitting tribute to a young man who devoted his life to public service. I invite the public to come to City Hall and view the tree and reflect on all the law enforcement officers across the country who protect our communities,” says Chief Bryan Roberts.
At the Festival of Trees auction on December 3, an anonymous donor came forward and purchased the Sergeant Derek Johnson Memorial Tree. The donor graciously donated the tree back to the Johnson family. The family, in turn, donated the tree to the Draper City Police Department. Funds raised at the auction benefit the Primary Children’s Medical Center
The tree is decked out with everything you would imagine to honor the men and women serving in police. In support of the Johnson family, more than 150 police agencies from across the country sent in challenge coins and shoulder patches with their department emblems. Many of these coins can be seen on the tree. Derek’s son, Bensen, was given a complete set of coins and patches. A model police car was wired with lights and a police radio by the Johnson family. A chain of handcuffs surround the display. Children and people of all ages will delight in seeing this beautiful tree. The tree was designed by Derek’s family from an essay he did in elementary school titled: When I Grow Up. Sgt. Johnson lived his dream of becoming a policeman.
Plans are underway to build a new wing onto Draper City Hall to house the Draper Police Department. In the future, the Sergeant Johnson Memorial tree will be on display in the lobby of the new Police Department wing.
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Contact: Maridene Hancock, Public Information Officer
(801) 576-6527 C. (801) 831-7224