Charlie Johnston

The legendary Charles Johnston, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 24, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 78-years old. Anyone that met this amazing and larger than life man, quickly learned of his tremendous sense of humor and passion for life. Charlie lived life to the fullest. From running marathons or being attacked by rattle snakes to serving his country in Viet Nam and hunting grizzly bears in Alaska, racing cars and riding horses, he was practically a living version of Forest Gump himself. And it was quickly apparent to anyone that left him a voicemail where his passions were. From being on the receiving end of one of his practical jokes, which he was just as happy to be the recipient of, or the daily joke he always had ready and often one he'd stolen from you (like the pictures he'd happily take with your fish) his over the top laugh and sense of adventure will always be a reminder to all of us to live, love and appreciate all that life has to offer. On the professional side, for nearly 20 years, (May 1981 - January 2001) Charles Johnston served as Director/Chief of the Lakewood Police Department. Chief Johnston was a Vietnam veteran whose honors included four Bronze Stars for heroism, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal for 50 helicopter missions as well as providing personnel security for the Bob Hope tour. He began his career in Lakewood in 1970, after briefly serving in Salinas, CA. In just 11 years he rose through the ranks to become Director of the department. In his 30-year career with the Lakewood Police Department, Chief Johnston headed every division and even served a two-year term as acting city manager. He was a dedicated advocate of Special Olympics Colorado, and even elected to the Special Olympics of Colorado - Hall of Fame for helping to raise $200,000 for the program. Among his biggest accomplishments with LPD, then Director Johnston changed the agency's name from the Lakewood Department of Public Safety to the Lakewood Police Department. Bringing LPD into a new era, he took the title of chief rather than director, and replaced the blue blazers agents wore at the time with the standard police uniform we now know. He created a legacy of recognizing the agent's education and professionalism by working with City Council to adopt a philosophy that police agent pay and benefits would always remain at least one percent above any other police department in Colorado. He also established the department's Speakers Bureau, Neighborhood Watch and Citizen's Police Academy programs. Chief Johnston will be remembered as a strong leader with an incredible sense of humor who transformed the Lakewood Police Department into who they are today. We invite you to share any stories you might have, or pictures of the good times, of which there were many.