Community Rallies to Help Lilburn Officer

Family, friends and hundreds Lilburn residents came to share their compassion and give aid to Police Capt. Mike Johnson today at Lilburn City Park.

The fundraiser was planned by Mayor Diana Preston and the City Council to help Capt. Johnson rebuild his family’s life after a blaze decimated their home in Winder. The people of Lilburn helped with side dishes and desserts. City councilman Tim Dunn and candidate for city council Tom Wight were busy cooking hot dogs and hamburgers.

Attendees to the cookout were suggested to donate $6 to enjoy the hamburgers and hot dogs available. The funds raised will go to Johnson and his family as they attempt to rebuild from the ashes and restart their lives.

Johnson's home in Winder was totally destroyed by a fire last Wednesday, and the family lost everything, including their beloved pets, two dogs. Johnson, his wife, Shari, and their three children are living in a motel and are in need of all the basics.

Johnson made a few remarks to the crowd. “Thank you to everybody. I’d be the first to race there to help somebody; to have it come back to me is indescribable.”

“Thank you to the city government that has helped us. The first day I started here I just knew it was home. My wife and I and my family are just so grateful,” said Johnson.

Johnson’s son Colby Johnson was in awe of the support shown by the community of Lilburn.

“There are a lot of people I don’t know, but it feels good. Didn’t know what it was like having so many people support us,” he said.

Colby continued, “We lost everything, but we gained so much more back, and met so many new people. A lot of material things have been replaced, and now I know there is a whole community behind us.”

Mayor Preston said of the community support, “This is what our community does. It is very symbolic of the support the people of Lilburn have for each other.”

“People are out here trying to support Mike, who puts his life on the line for the people. The people of Lilburn came together to raise a lot of money to help them through the tough days ahead,” continued Mayor Preston.

Donations can still be made at any Wells Fargo branch to the account "City of Lilburn - Mike Johnson Family Benefit Account." 

The children are teenagers and one preteen, so gift cards would be best for clothing and necessities for them, according to the Lilburn Business Association said. Gift cards may be dropped off at City Hall at 76 Main Street.

The City of Lilburn Police Department (also at 76 Main) also is accepting donations for the family.