VPD Lt. Brent Johnson Honored as Employee of the Month

IN PHOTO, L-R: Commander Bernard Robinson, Lt. Earl Durrance, Capt. Matt O'Steen, Lt. Adam Bembry, Lt. Brent Johnson, Mayor John Gayle and Chief of Police Brian Childress.

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Police Chief Brian Childress honored VPD Lt. Brent Johnson as the June 2016 Employee of the Month at the June 9 City Council meeting. Lt. Johnson received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

At the Valdosta Police Department, Lt. Johnson oversees the patrol Sergeants and ensures smooth operation of the road patrol shift. He serves as the shift supervisor in the absence of the Captain, and he regularly patrols the city and handles issues as they arise.

On an early Monday morning in January 2016, Lt. Johnson was dispatched to the James M. Beck Overpass located on the 400 block of S. Patterson Street in reference to a person sitting on the edge of the bridge. Upon his arrival, he observed a man sitting on the top of the overpass, with his feet hanging over the edge. Although another VPD officer had arrived on the scene first, he was unsuccessful in getting the citizen to move away from the dangerous situation.

Lt. Johnson possesses substantial knowledge and experience in dealing with mentally ill and distraught persons, and within several minutes he was able to talk the citizen into coming off the ledge of the bridge to safety. EMS arrived soon after to transport the citizen to South Georgia Medical Center to be evaluated in reference to thoughts of committing suicide.

The City of Valdosta applauds Lt. Brent Johnson for being named the June 2016 Employee of the Month, an award he received for demonstrating sincere compassion and law enforcement skill in protecting the community and saving lives.