P.O. Box 901, Prosser WA 99350 /wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com / 360.597.4411

One of three children, Clarence C. Johnson was born January 24, 1942, to Clarence Johnson Sr., and Sibyl Wood. Clarence had a brother, Gary, and a sister, Cheryl. The family was raised in Seattle and attended Showalter Grade School. Johnson graduated Foster High School in 1961. A talented football player and track star, Johnson received a football scholarship and attended Western Washington University from 1961 to 1963.

 

After college, Johnson joined the United States Air Force. Having completed his four-year tour protecting his country, Johnson still had the desire to do more, which lead to the Washington State Patrol.

 

Trooper Cadet Johnson was hired February 27, 1967, and assigned as a cadet to Hoquiam before joining the 41st Trooper Cadet Class. Trooper Johnson was commissioned February 9, 1968, under the leadership of Chief Will Bachofner and assigned to North Bend.

 

Trooper Clarence Johnson died on September 8, 1968, at the age of 26. He was killed when he was hit head-on by a pickup that crossed the center line on a curve between Fall City and Carnation. At the time of his death, Trooper Johnson had served 18 months with the Washington State Patrol.

 

Trooper Johnson's mother, Sibyl Wood, passed away in 2015. Trooper Johnson's brother, Gary, retired as a trooper from the Washington State Patrol in 1998. Gary's son Matt is married and has two boys, 14 and 11. They live in the Maple Valley area. Gary's daughter, Tiffany adopted a little girl, who is four-years-old, and has a three-year-old daughter. Gary is enjoying his time with his granddaughters and helping to take care of them. Trooper Johnson’s sister, Cheryl, lives in Seattle with her husband Mike. Their son, Thomas also lives in Seattle.

 

In May of 2001, Trooper Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions on September 8, 1968, by the Law Enforcement – Medal of Honor Committee.

 

On May 20, 2016, a dedication ceremony of the memorial to honor and remember Trooper Clarence Johnson and our other fallen troopers from King County was held at the Bellevue District Office. When you visit the Bellevue District Office, take a moment to stop by the beautiful memorial. 

 

A ceremony was held on September 6, 2023, at the Bellevue District Office to honor Trooper Johnson’s 55th line of duty death anniversary. Trooper Johnson’s brother Gary was presented with his brother’s badge by Arizona Department of Public Safety & Highway Patrol.