Tributes flow in for Riddells Creek senior constable Steve Johnson after losing his battle with bowel cancer

A hero country cop has been remembered as a devoted officer and loving father after his tragic death — just three weeks after his cancer diagnosis.

A GoFundMe gas been organised for Victoria Police officer Steve Johnson after he lost his three-week battle with cancer. Picture: Supplied.

A hero country cop who was a first responder at a tragic fatal truck crash at a regional pre-school has been remembered as “the backbone of the community” after his heartbreaking death just three weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Steve Johnson, a leading senior constable at Riddells Creek, died on Monday at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre after a short battle with stage four bowel cancer.

Mr Johnson was one of the first on the scene at the tragic truck crash at the Macedon Ranges Montessori pre-school last year that killed speech pathologist Eleanor Bryant.

Steve Johnson, a senior constable at Riddells Creek, died on Monday at the Royal Melbourne Hospital after a short battle with stage four bowel cancer.

Mr Johnson’s supervisor Acting Inspector Della Nihill said he was “dedicated” to the Riddells Creek community as the town’s only police officer.

“I recall Steve telling me ‘I had to build this community from scratch’, he wanted to make it his own,” she said.

“He made sure he got to know who his community members were. He knew the families, the business owners, our emergency management partners, and an admirable trait of Steve was his want to give back to community.”

Tributes are flowing in for Riddells Creek Senior Constable Steve Johnson after he lost his battle with bowel cancer. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Nihill said there was a “deep sense of grief and sorrow” among Mr Johnson’s colleagues and that his passing would have a “profound and lasting impact”.

“For Victoria Police we have lost a true gentleman, an ethical and well-respected leader who has made a positive impact on the people he worked with and those he met along the way,” she said.

“As a police officer you share many experiences with colleagues along the way and this not only builds a sense of camaraderie but more importantly lifelong friends.
“Many of Steve’s lifelong friends are in shock at his passing but together they have built many memories that they will share for a lifetime.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Mr Johnson leaves behind his wife, Kristen, and their three children — 13-year-old Molly, 11-year-old Jack, and 8-year-old Darcy and parents Brian and Teresa.

Mr Johnson’s sister-in-law Amanda Thomas, speaking on behalf of the family, said his loss left a “huge hole” in the family.

“We did not have any time to process his passing, it’s devastating,” she said.

“You plan on having two wages until you retire … even before he passed Steve and (his wife) Kristen were worried about keeping the house.”

Mr Johnson was a “big presence” in the family and adored his children, Ms Thomas said.

An online fundraiser was organised to help ease the financial burden on the family, raising more than $14,000.

Ms Thomas said the family was “overwhelmed” by the community’s support.

“The funds have taken a bit of pressure off her for however long. We’re so overwhelmed with people’s generosity when it’s such a tough time for everyone financially,” she said.

“If Steve could be see (the support) he would be gobsmacked.”

Before joining the police force in 2011, Mr Johnson started a chef apprenticeship and had a deep passion for food.

He was also a member of the Riddells Creek dance school and coached two junior basketball teams in town.

Before his posting at Riddells Creek station — Mr Johnson was stationed at Gisborne, Romsey and Sunbury.

Ms Thomas said Mr Johnson “loved the brotherhood” of the police force.

“All Steve wanted to do was be a policeman — he loved his job,” she said.

“24 hours, seven days a week he was a policeman.”