13-year veteran of Charlestown Police Department dies from complications of COVID-19

Chad Mills

Chad Mills
Reporter
Dec 2, 2020
Dec 2, 2020 Updated Dec 30, 2021

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Detective Sgt. TeJuan "T.J." Johnson, a 13-year veteran with the Charlestown Police Department, died Wednesday at age 47 from complications of COVID-19.

Johnson, a field training officer, narcotics detective and shift commander, was also involved in police bike patrol. His death is considered a line-of-duty-death, but Chief Tim Wolff said the department is not "100% sure" how Johnson contracted the virus, whether it was during training or otherwise.

"We definitely want people to take (COVID-19) seriously (and) remember Sgt. Johnson for the mischievous, fun-loving detective that he was," Wolff said.

Members of the Charlestown community honored Johnson with a procession Wednesday afternoon from Clark Memorial Hospital to Grayson Funeral home.

Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges said it was common to see Johnson at a local diner, laughing and joking with fellow community members. She said he was an active participant in the Shop With a Cop program and always had a smile on his face.

Escorting Charlestown Police Department Detective Sgt. TeJuan Johnson (12/2/20) — Members of the Charlestown community honored Detective Sgt. TeJuan Johnson with a procession Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2020, from Clark Memorial Hospital to Grayson Funeral home.

"I grieve with the family," Hodges said. "I grieve with the police department."

To Hodges, Johnson's death is a painful reminder of a pandemic that continues to rage.

"T.J. had no underlying health conditions. He was fit. He was only 47 years old," she said. "Wear your mask, practice safe social distancing, and please, take this COVID virus seriously."