Officers fold the flag draped over Johnson's casket into a neat triangle. Along with his career in law enforcement, Johnson also served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
Hal Johnson remembered as a pillar of community
By Shari Kaplan
Photographs by Kathy De La Torre
There's a well-known military maxim that claims, "there are no ex-Marines, only former Marines." Similarly, one might argue there are no ex-cops, only former police officers. Harold Arthur "Hal" Johnson did not believe in severing ties. Perhaps that's why the memorial service for the former Marine, Los Gatos Police Chief and Los Gatos Lion filled every pew inside the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos on Sept. 27.
Johnson, who served as Los Gatos' top brass from 1970 to 1983, died of complications of cancer on the morning of Sept. 24, exactly two months after his 70th birthday. But being Chief of the Los Gatos (now Los Gatos-Monte Sereno) Police Department was just one of many vocations that filled Johnson's full life.
Hal Johnson--1930-2000
Born July 24, 1930, in San Francisco, as a young man Johnson joined the U.S. Marine Corps, thus beginning a lifelong dedication to public safety and service. He received an honorable discharge in 1953, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. It would not be the last time he held a military title, however.
After a whirlwind courtship with young Joyce Feeney, who became his bride, Johnson began a career in law enforcement as an officer with the North Sacramento Police Department. He also attended Sacramento State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In 1957, Johnson took a job with the Garden Grove Police Department in Orange County. Over the years, he progressed from sergeant to lieutenant to captain.
Although he enjoyed his job very much, "he was getting the itch" to run his own department, Johnson's son Kevin told the Los Gatos Weekly-Times the day before the memorial.
Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
A flag flies at half-staff at Los Gatos Memorial Park, the site of Johnson's interment.
In 1970, Johnson heard of an opening for Chief of Police in the town of Los Gatos, applied and got the job. "His career path was pretty accelerated, becoming a police chief at age 39. That's a relative record," Kevin said. As for how this acceleration came to be, Kevin added: "He was a hard driver and a hard charger."
Johnson also stood up for what he believed. It was he who promoted former LGMSPD Sgt. Tricia Friedrich to her position--the department's first female to hold that rank. According to Kevin, there was a bit of grumbling among some of the male officers passed over, but his father told it as it was: "She tested number one, and I'm going to promote the person who's number one!"
The first promotion Johnson ever gave as chief, however, was looking favorably upon a young Los Gatan named Duino Giordano, who was chomping at the bit to rise from reserve police officer to full-time officer. Giordano, a speaker at the memorial along with current Chief Larry Todd, expressed the honor and gratitude he felt as a result of Johnson's act. Giordano has since risen through the ranks to become a captain.
Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
Sheriff's deputies honor Johnson with a rifle salute at the cemetery.
During his tenure, Johnson was also responsible for developing the "Avoid the 13" campaign, which now includes all law enforcement agencies in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, and has significantly reduced the number of accidents and deaths over the years related to drivers under the influence.
If some heart problems hadn't encouraged him to retire in 1983, Kevin related, his father was in line to become the next president of the California Police Chiefs' Association. "I think that's a testament to how he was thought of by his profession," Kevin said.
In his Sept. 27 eulogy, Los Gatos Lions Club President Rick Miller told the packed church how highly the service club regarded Johnson. He was a Lion for more than 27 years, serving generously in many positions, including that of president in 1980-81. "Everybody he touched has a story about 'Lion Hal.' He was our heart, our soul," said Miller.
A Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy salutes as Johnson's casket is carried to the burial site.
Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
His words reflected those Kevin wanted to share about his father's long and varied career just the day before: "He believed in his community and he believed in public service. When you have a conviction, it's easy to do. I think that's his greatest attribute. He never wavered in his dedication. He was a very honorable man."
Johnson is survived by his wife of 47 years Joyce Johnson; sons Chris Johnson of Woodside and Kevin Johnson of San Jose; daughter Diana Johnson of Los Gatos; daughters-in-law Leslie and Pam Johnson; and grandchildren Erin, Coulter, Molly, Sam, Chandler and Kelly.
Interment was at Los Gatos Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1715 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 100, Campbell, 95008.
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