The following nomination came in from Sergeant Jason Olsen.
Officer Kristian Johnson was selected by the Logan City Police Department for a position as a patrol officer on August 1, 2015, just 22 months ago. Officer Johnson was still attending the academy when he tested successfully with Logan, so he was hired part time for a few months until he could graduate.
Officer Johnson graduated from the Weber State POST academy and went immediately to work in public safety, serving the citizens of Logan. Officer Johnson’s application to Logan City was very unique as his decision to enter the law enforcement field, came at 39 years of age. While this is not “old”, as some may say, the average law enforcement officer begins his or her career before the age of 25.
This did not matter to Officer Johnson. Officer Johnson had already completed one successful career as an attorney prior to changing roles. Officer Johnson was the president of his own law firm for 12 years before selling the company and moving back to Logan City to pursue a new dream. He is also the father of two beautiful daughters.
With Officer Johnson’s previous education, life skills, and determination, he was quite easy to train. Some wondered if it might be intimidating to train someone so highly educated but it was quickly learned by all of his peers, Officer Johnson is very humble as well.
In his 22 short months as Logan’s newest rookie, Officer Johnson has also been the most recognized patrolman in the department. In 2016 Officer Johnson attended his first LCPD awards banquet and was the recipient of two awards, the 2016 TOP DUI and the 2016 PATROL OFFICER OF THE YEAR.
In 2017 Officer Johnson gained national attention, when a body camera video went viral of him singing a song to an elderly woman. Officer Johnson had been called to this woman’s home because she had some disabilities and she could not get her microwave to work. Some police officers may have grumbled at this type of a call, but not Officer Johnson. In his eyes, it was yet another opportunity to serve the public and professionally represent this noble profession.
Officer Johnson was able to get the woman’s microwave functioning again, and when he asked her if there was anything else he could do, she asked him to sing her a song. He was reluctant at first, but when the request for “You Are My Sunshine”, was made, Officer Johnson sang to her with heart. This made a lasting impression on the elderly lady.
Officer Johnson is the perfect role model for other officers, young and old. He has the ability to transition from Law Enforcement Officer to community servant, and he does so effortlessly. With his disposition and overall positive attitude, he makes other officers want to be better. Officer Johnson carries the torch and represents the Logan City Police Department with pride.
With this, it is an honor to nominate Officer Kristian Johnson for “Beyond the Badge.”