Sebastian County Deputy Laid to Rest
Fallen Sebastian County Deputy Terry Johnson was laid to rest in Fort Smith on Saturday (March 9).
Hundreds of people attended the memorial service for Corporal Johnson at Community Bible Church on Dallas Street. He was later buried at Oak Cemetery.
“It’s a horrible, horrible tragedy,” said Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck. “I don’t think our department can truly ever recover from losing such a great man.”
During the memorial service, Sheriff Hollenbeck thanked everyone who sent condolences throughout the difficult week. He remembered Corporal Johnson as a “big teddy bear” and said his mere size was enough to deter crime.
“When you saw him walk into a room, people would turn and look,” said Hollenbeck. “When you answered calls with him, you knew that he had your back and that he was there to protect you.”
Corporal Johnson’s cousin, Tashala Devrow, called the service a “wonderful home going celebration.” He said it was great to see so many members of law enforcement come out to support Johnson’s family.
Hollenbeck said Johnson was the kind deputy every sheriff would want to have work for him because of his strong work ethic and positive attitude.
“Make him proud,” Hollenbeck said to his deputies. “Become the best public servant you can be… Be his shining example.”
“They gave him the nickname ‘Gentle Giant,’” said Devrow. “That’s exactly who he was.”
Hollenbeck says his department will again celebrate Corporal Johnson’s life at the Law Enforcement Memorial in May.
