Peabody Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Tuesday, June 28, 1977
Reflections for Patrolman Edward Scott Johansen
Heavenly Father, I come before You today grieved in heart over the divisions in our country; the United States of America. I grieve for every life lost to violence, regardless of color or creed. And I especially grieve this day over the senseless deaths of America’s Peace Officers whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. Please grant comfort and hope to their families. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that Peace Officers have a sacred task, to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. I pray that You will protect them as they serve us. Give them wisdom, discernment, and a deep desire to serve You. Please surround every Peace Officer in our nation, the United States of America, with battalions of warring angels to protect them from harm. I stand in the powerful and mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ against every work of Satan intended to inflict injury and death on our Protectors. May Satan’s power be thwarted, in Your mighty and holy name, and his plans exposed by Your Light. In the mighty and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Redeemer, and the Mediator between us, Heavenly Father, in prayer, and by His authority, I pray! Amen.
Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];
"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM, NCCA
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
June 28, 2025
Patrolman Johansen, it has been 47 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 11 years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
June 28, 2024
Patrolman Johansen, it has been 46 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
June 28, 2023
Here is the definition of duty before self and a clear example of the selfless actions our beloved men and women in Blue perform everyday. Patrolman Johansen, thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
June 28, 2020
Rest in peace Patrolman Johansen.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 15, 2019
It's now 39 years, Brother and you're still remembered as a hero.
God Bless you still and remain at peace.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
June 28, 2016
Patrolman Johansen,
On today, the 39th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Peabody. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
June 28, 2016
Patrolman Johansen,
Sir, it has taken over 28 years but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Peabody. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
February 27, 2016
How often did First Responders put their lives at risk to help others in this manner. Back then, it was the right way to do it. Now we know better and it's examples such as your selfless act that showed us all the light. You not only gave of yourself to help the individual, but all who came after you and that makes you a hero if nothing else does, but in a tragic way.
Patrolman Johansen, may God Bless you for your efforts on behalf of the people of Peabody and the Commonwealth as a whole and may your eternal rest be ever peaceful, Brother.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
February 16, 2016