Nyssa PD Corporal Johnson remembered on third anniversary of his death
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NYSSA — Three years ago, to the day, Reserve Corporal Joseph “JJ” Johnson was slain in the line of duty near what is now Corporal Joe Johnson Memorial Park in Nyssa. Law enforcement personnel from across multiple agencies have shared their sentiments in remembering JJ and that fateful day in 2023.
Ontario Police Department posted, “April 15, 2026 marks the third anniversary of the line of duty death of Nyssa Police Department’s Corporal Johnson.
Corporal Johnson was responding to reports of a violent man damaging property at a home and threatening its occupants. During the response, he encountered the suspect driving away and conducted a traffic stop. The subject immediately exited his car and opened fire, fatally wounding Reserve Corporal Johnson before he had a chance to return fire. The subject abandoned his vehicle, fled the scene, and was arrested two days later.
Reserve Corporal Johnson had served with the Nyssa Police Department for almost five years. He had also served as a corrections officer with the Oregon Department of Corrections for 15 years and currently worked as a civilian employee for the agency. He is survived by his wife and two children.
In June of 2023, the City of Nyssa renamed North Park ‘Corporal Joe Johnson Memorial Park’ in his honor.”
For the third time, law enforcement personnel and community members will gather at the park for the annual memorial run. Nyssa PD reports, “The third annual JJ Memorial Run will be taking place on 4/15/2026 at 9:00 am. Come and show your support as multiple agencies gather to honor Joseph JJ Johnson. The run will travel west on Main St. and end at JJ Memorial Park.”
In addition, the third annual JJ Memorial Softball Fundraiser will take place at 5:30 p.m., in support of two scholarships for Nyssa High School graduates. Find details below:
