A LARGE crowd turned out to watch a memorial football match between police officers for popular Westbury PC Mike Johnson.
PC Johnson, 46, who was the Westbury rural area community beat manager, collapsed and died suddenly after jogging to work on Monday 3rd August.
On Sunday 25th October two teams of police officers played each other in a tribute to the popular PC who loved football.
Officers from the Westbury and Warminster area faced off against colleagues from Wiltshire Police’s Armed Response Group (ARG) at Westbury Youth FC’s pitch, with the ARG coming from behind to win 3-1.
After Warminster and Westbury took an early lead, the ARG equalised with a penalty, and then scored two in the second half to seal the victory.
Before the game both sides held a minute’s silence in memory of PC Johnson. Afterwards his daughter Alice, 18, presented the winning team with a trophy.
Alice said, “When I heard about the game I was really touched. I think to do it in dad’s memory is amazing, and I think he would have been really honoured. He loved football and there are lots of people here, it’s a really good turnout, it’s great.”
Chief Superintendent Jul-ian Kirby, who played for Westbury and Warminster police said, “This game shows what a popular guy Mike was. That so many people have turned out is testimony to that high regard they have for him. This is a way for his colleagues to show their feelings for him and his family.”
ARG captain, PC Mark Field said, “Everyone who knew Mike speaks really highly of him, and the turnout today shows that.”
A whip-round at the game in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance raised £300 for the charity, which was a cause close to PC Johnson’s heart.
More pictures on page 21
