The Holliston Police Department held a ceremony on Saturday at the station to honor Officer John Johnson, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Aug. 14, 1981.

The 31-year-old, six-year veteran of HPD was shot three times with his own gun during a struggle with a stolen car suspect.

Lt. Keith Edison, the only current officer to have worked with Johnson spoke at the ceremony, as did Chief Moore.

Moore read the following poem, written by Johnson's best friend, Carl Damigella.

Lord, as we come together today to pay our respects on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the passing of Officer John E. Johnson, let us all take the time to realize the dangers relating to those who serve and protect us each and every day.

Please ride with them as they put their own well-being aside to make our community safe. Let us hope and pray that the families and friends of these fine men and women never have to experience what the Johnson family has gone through. You have blessed them each with the desire to serve and in the strength to endure the ever challenging world around them. May we all hold a prayer in our minds and in our hearts to keep them safe everyday as they perform their duties.

Let us all remember John for who he was, how he loved, and his devotion as a police officer. Lord, please help his family gain peace with themselves as time passes, make the memories of his wonderful life be remembered with clarity and joy and help make the feeling of his loss become easier.

Amen