2009-11-12

Benefit planned for Johnson family

By Judith Pannebaker

In a split second, lives change and what was before, will never be again.

Nothing proved that more than a collision that occurred during early morning on Saturday, Sept. 26. While slowing to make a left turn from Highway 16 South on Polly Peak Drive, Bandera County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Gerald “Jerry” Johnson’s motorcycle was struck from behind by a reportedly intoxicated driver of a pickup truck. Johnson and his wife, Errin, were both ejected from the motorcycle.

Errin Johnson did not survive the accident. Jerry Johnson was airlifted from the scene to San Antonio’s University Hospital with massive injuries. The driver of the pickup was charged with intoxication manslaughter.

After spending several days in the intensive care unit, Johnson was discharged and continues to recuperate at home.

He is a 10-year veteran law enforcement officer with the BCSO. Days prior to the collision, Errin Johnson, a recent graduate of the Schreiner University Nursing School, learned she had passed her state board examination. The couple has a son, Seth, 11.

The community has been greatly saddened by Errin’s death and the outpouring of support for Jerry and the couple’s son has been overwhelming.

To assist with the recovery efforts, a benefit fundraiser will begin at 6 pm, Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Racetrack in Bandera on Highway 16 South. The evening will include a barbecue dinner, music and both live and silent auctions.

Businesses or individuals who would like to donate items for the auctions or to one of the special bank accounts established for the Johnson family are asked to contact the Wives of the Shield, a nonprofit group that is helping organize the benefit, at www.wivesoftheshield.com, or Nita Salazar at the BCSO at 830-796-4323 or nita78861@yahoo.com.

Additionally, individuals or organizations that would like to help with the event are asked to contact Dawn Collum, Wives of the Shield representative, at dcollum@stx.rr.com or 830-377-3506; or Vicky Browning at vbrowning@texasroserealty.com or 210-378-2055.

“We are asking the community to help make this benefit a success for the Johnson family,” said a spokesman for the event.