FORT WASHINGTON, Md. - Special Officer Stephen Johns was killed in last week's violent shootout at the Holocaust Museum, and on Friday he was laid to rest. 

Dozens of uniformed police officers and security guards were among the mourners who gathered for the funeral.

Two guards from Johns' employer, Wackenhut Services Inc., stood at attention on either side of the open casket. Among the flower arrangements were several in burgundy and gold, the colors of Johns' beloved Washington Redskins (web | news) .

Security guards who worked with Johns are relying on loved ones to get through this trying time. Johns' co-worker Jason McCuiston noted, "They haven't stopped asking me if I need something, or anything."

Johns' funeral comes as new details are emerging about the man charged with killing the 39-year-old officer. Law enforcement sources say that investigators seized a computer from 88-year-old James von Brunn's apartment in Annapolis.

Sources say child pornography was discovered on that computer, but is still unclear whether von Brunn will face charges for possession of child pornography since other people had access to the computer.

On Friday, however, the focus is on remembering Stephen Johns, who so many have called such a good man.

Family friend Floyd Curtis said, "This is just a sad thing, the way it happened, how his life got taken away from him. I just feel sorry for the family."

"[I'm] devastated -- definitely devastated -- just thoroughly hurt," added Banjewell Graham, Johns' Cub Scout den mother.

"He understood my interest in football, I understood his," noted Wayne Means, a former Wackenhut employee with whom Johns coached football.

Many of the mourners who filled the church on this somber Friday have known the Johns family for years. Chief R.H. Smith said Johns was "just an easygoing person, and it's a tragedy that something like this had to happen to him."

Officers from the District, Johns' hometown of Oxon Hill and surrounding communities also streamed into the church. Among them were special officers just like Johns who felt a particular closeness to this loss. Among them was Chief Smith, who observed, "We all work together -- especially police officers. He's one of us, you know?"

Others admitted they never knew the fallen officer but felt compelled to come here to show their respects. Among them was Linda Young, who said, "We have to trust in God with all their heart -- God can get them through it. That's my message to them."

Former Defense Secretary William Cohen and his wife Janet Langhart were in the museum when the shooting occurred. They were among the mourners Friday.

"And while some people think that Wednesday when he was shot down was a step back on race relations I say we're going to take 10 steps forward," said Langhart.

Johns, who lived in Temple Hills, worked at the museum for six years. He was married and had an 11-year-old son.

The viewing for Special Officer Stephen Johns began at 9 a.m. at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal church in Fort Washington. His funeral was held at 11 a.m. The Holocaust Museum was closed until 3 p.m. to allow staff to attend.

 Email To Friend