WEST VALLEY CITY - Dozens of people walked into West Valley City Police Department Sunday carrying a variety of foods, flowers, and messages of love after an officer was killed in the line of duty.
However, one person stood out as a symbol of strength, bringing officers to tears.
"They all started crying which caused me to cry," said Shante Johnson, the widow of Officer Derek Johnson, who was was killed in the line of duty for Draper police a few years ago. "I know how rough it is."
Johnson walked through the doors of the department carrying a handful of pizzas, and although she went unnoticed at first, officers came out to greet her after she pointed to a photo of her husband which hangs on the department's wall.
"I don't know if I could put myself in their shoes," Johnson said of the officers. "But I know their family’s hearts are going to be really heavy, and their hearts will be heavy. I just hope everyone will respect them. They have families they need to get home to.”
Johnson said she plans to reach out to the family of Officer Cody Brotherson, but says they will first give them time to grieve.
"But I want to let them know that we are here for them," she said.
