Johnson's writing began as an inspiration from his grandchildren. Raised in Indiana, he served 31 years with the Beech Grove Police Department in central Indiana, retiring as Chief of Police. Before entering law enforcement, he served in the United States Marine Corps and fought as a combat veteran in the Vietnam War-experiences that later shaped his second novel, Don't Let Me Die Here. He credits many influences in his life and writing, including his parents, his wife and family, and Father Vincent Capodanno, whom he met while serving in Vietnam. Johnson and his wife, Vicki, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren, to whom this book is lovingly dedicated.