Today, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced that the State Senate has unanimously passed his Senate Concurrent Resolution 155, designating the freeway interchange at State Route 52 and Interstate 805 in San Diego County as the Officer Kirk Leland Johnson Memorial Interchange.
“The men and women who serve our community each day put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Jones. “When they selflessly pay the ultimate sacrifice, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that their service is never forgotten. The fact it’s taken nearly half a century for this recognition to come to pass is an injustice to Officer Johnson, his family and the entire San Diego community. I’m proud to be a part of righting that wrong here today.”
Officer Johnson served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army before joining the San Diego Police Department in 1980. After graduating third in his academy class, he quickly established himself as a hardworking and dedicated patrol officer, known for routinely volunteering for radio calls right up until the end of his shift and for the pride he took in serving the San Diego community.
Officer Johnson was tragically killed in the line of duty on February 20, 1983. He was only 26 years old. In the 43 years since, his former partner, John Bailey, has advocated tirelessly to ensure Officer Johnson's service and sacrifice would never be forgotten.
"Although his life was tragically cut short, his service and sacrifice left a lasting impact on his family, fellow officers and community," said Jones. "This bill will ensure that Officer Johnson's legacy will continue to be remembered by Californians for generations to come."
Joining Senator Jones in the Senate gallery for the vote was John Bailey, who served alongside Officer Johnson and has spent decades advocating to ensure his partner's service and sacrifice would never be forgotten.