Community & Business
8 June, 2026
Touching tribute to S/C Stephen Johnson
Pittsworth has farewelled 58-years-old Senior Constable Stephen Johnson (9023), whose funeral was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday. The service portrayed Stephen as a man of great distinction and highlighted his dedication to the community through his career in the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Over 250 family, friends, colleagues and community members attended the service which was officiated by Police Chaplain Jeff Baills.
Also in attendance was Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM and Assistant Commissioner for Southern Region Matthew Vanderbyl APM.
Madonna Johnson shared memories of her beloved husband, touching on their married life, fatherhood, and overseas adventures.
“Stephen adored his boys, being a husband and a father was not just a part of his life, it was his life,” Mrs Johnson said.
“I will miss my beloved soulmate until the end of time but I will always carry his love, laughter and our memories will always be with him.”
Pittsworth Officer-in-Charge, Sergeant Tim Hoffmann said Stephen was not just a colleague but a confidante and friend.
The pair had served together at the Pittsworth Station for seven years.
Sgt. Hoffmann high-lighted Stephen’s career which commenced in 1991 as a police recruit.
His first post was to the Rockhampton District.
For a time, Stephen was Officer-in-Charge at Moore Station, a little town east of Blackbutt on the D’Aguilar Highway, where his passion for working in a small community was realised.
“To commit to small communities is a calling that few are willing to undertake these days, it is hard on officers and their families,” Sgt. Hoffmann said.
“They would have to endure the weight of community expectation, the endless call-outs and the single officer patrols, knowing the dangers that brings.”
Stephen was at Moore for seven years before being posted in 2009 at Pittsworth.
He served first with Rob “Banjo” Patterson until his retirement, and then with Sgt. Hoffmann.
However, it wasn’t all about police work.
Sgt. Hoffmann fondly recalled the many hours they spent solving the world’s problems through spirited political debates.
Stephen was involved in the local community, most notably as a member of the Pittsworth Lions Club.
Even while he was away from work in the last 12 months, Stephen would find time to bake treats and bring them into the station for the staff to enjoy.
Close friend David Olischlager reflected on his 14 year friendship with Stephen.
He said they shared the same dark sense of humour, a strong sense of right and wrong, and were never afraid to speak their minds.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM gave the valedictory.
“Stephen’s service... was marked by professionalism, integrity and care for others,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
“Stephen was known and respected for his fairness, resilience, compassion for others, and dedication, both to the Queensland Police Service and to his community.
“The legacy he has left behind is far reaching.
“Beyond his professional duties, Stephen was a deeply respected colleague, who had an encouraging and uplifting presence to all who worked alongside him,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
“He was generous with his time... always laughing, approachable and had a genuinely caring nature.”
Assistant Commissioner for Southern Region Matthew Vanderbyl APM read the Statement of Service.
The Police Ode was read by Sgt. Hoffmann and nearly fifty QPS and retired officers stood with headdress and salutes to honour Stephen with a minute’s silence.
Police Chaplain Baills recalled the family’s tales of Stephen’s forgetfulness and how he liked to cook and use every dish in the kitchen.
“It’s in this context of Stephen’s life that makes his passing so hard,” Chaplain Baills said.
“Why? Because ladies and gentlemen, he gave us something great - in that his actions equalled his words,” he said.
Throughout his 34 years of service, Stephen took pride in representing himself and the QPS in a professional manner and was presented with the following awards:
Queensland Police Service Medal (2004), National Medal (2007), 15 Year Clasp to the Queensland Police Service Medal (2007), 20 Year Clasp to the Queensland Police Service Medal (2011), 2010-2011 Queensland Flood and Cyclone Citation (2011), Queensland Police 150 Years Citation (2014), National Police Service Medal (2014), G20 Citation (2016), 25 Year Clasp to the Queensland Police Service Medal (2016), First Clasp of National Medal (2017), 21st Commonwealth Games Citation (2019), 30 Year Clasp to the Queensland Police Service Medal (2022) and Queensland Police Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 Clasp (2024).
He was posthumously honoured with the Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal which was presented to Mrs Johnson.
The QPS Piper played music before the service and for the recessional.
Police and emergency services personnel formed a guard of honour outside the hall.
Stephen David Johnson was born on Boxing Day in 1967 and died on 18th May 2026, aged 58 years and five months.
He is survived by his wife Madonna and his sons Sam and Nick.
