By Nancy Reardon
MethuenLife Writer

A state trooper – known for his diligence in helping a local family recently find the body of their drowned child as well as traveling far and wide playing bagpipes in good times and bad – has retired.

A few hundred people showed up in force at The Relief’s In in Lawrence in July to celebrate the retirement of State Trooper Lt. Ed Johnson III of Methuen (MHS, 1992), who served 27 years with the state police and three as a Methuen police officer. The party was hosted by Johnson’s girlfriend Meghan McCann and emceed by his brother Patrick.

Patrick recited the following, with Ed by his side, “Lieutenant Edward F. Johnson III has retired. No longer shall the buttons on his Class A scream in pain when adorned for a promotional ceremony. No longer shall A Patrol 1 be graced by his wit, wisdom and charm. No longer shall road salt grace his mailbox. No longer shall opinions on all matters and people be expressed without filter or fear of repercussion. Lt. Edward F. Johnson III has retired.

“No longer shall the master of be-on-the-lookout be available to find the dangerous driver, stolen car, wandering cop killer or lost child. Ed is moving on and the state police is moving on as it always does. But the state police will not be better for it.”

Major Katie Downey gifted Ed a plaque resembling his badge. She said, “I remember when I first met you, I was a brand-new trooper. I was at A1 and you were at A2. I tell this story all the time because I don’t know how it happened but whenever I had a car stopped and I had 3 or 4 people in the car and I needed to get them out, somehow, I would look over and there was Ed leaning against the guardrail. I don’t know if he parachuted out of the sky or where he came from. But if you wanted backup, that’s the backup that you wanted. Ed would basically stand back and look, with that smirk on his face, just watching to see what I was going to do. (I was) a brand-new trooper, just 5 feet tall, and he would just stand there looking intimidating. As I got to know him, I think I am the only person who embraces his abrasive anger. I always found it endearing. Because I know under that rough exterior, there is a heart of gold.”

In addition to the many duties and awards Trooper Johnson has been part of and received, he is also a member of the Massachusetts State Troopers Pipes and Drums in which he is an accomplished bagpipe player. Many members of the group attended the event and surprised Johnson by marching in playing bagpipes and drums.

Trooper Johnson also received state citations from state Rep. Ryan Hamilton and state Auditor Diana DiZoglio.

Not to be outdone by a balloon trooper, Ed Johnson shows him who’s the boss!

Major Katie Downey presented Trooper Johnson with a plaque replica of his badge.

Ed is surrounded by his proud family. Shown are (from left) his father Edward Jr., a retired Detective Lieutenant last assigned to the Attorney General’s Office; brother Patrick, a lieutenant of Troop H (Boston); Ed; brother Matt and mom Jean.