Olympics

‘Heroes Live Forever': Slain SJPD Officer Michael Johnson to Be Inducted Into Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame

The San Jose police officer laid to rest earlier this year after he was shot and killed while responding to an emergency will be inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation (PAAF) Hall of Fame.

In addition, an award in Michael Johnson's name will be given at the national games. The first award will be presented by the widow, Nikki Johnson, to Sgt. Jason Pierce.

"I miss my husband every day," Nikki Johnson said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with NBC Bay Area. "He was a very bright spot in a lot of people's lives, especially his whole family. We're taking it one day at a time."

Nikki Johnson said she is still dealing with the loss, but agreed to do her first interview with NBC Bay Area because she wants the public to remember her husband and his legacy.

Michael Johnson was laid to rest in April after he was shot and killed on March 24.

Nikki Johnson said the 14-year police veteran was a loving husband and star athlete, winning gold medals in both judo and shooting at the United States Police and Fire championships. The event was once known as the Police and Fire Olympics.

Michael Johnson on Tuesday will be inducted into the PAAF Hall of Fame and the Michael J. Johnson Memorial Award from now on will be presented to a worthy competitor.

Nikki Johnson is stepping reluctantly into the spotlight to present the award partly to thank police officers and the public. 

"Heroes live forever, but it kind of shows that he's remembered in the community for doing what he loved," Nikki Johnson said of the honors.

The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the San Jose Police Officers Association headquarters, 1151 North Fourth Street. The event is open to the public.

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