Georgia Southwestern State University Public Safety Officer Ethan Johnson was recently recognized as GSW’s Officer of the Year at the second annual Paint the Town Blue Gala held on March 10, 2018.

A native of Oglethorpe, Johnson has served the GSW community as a public safety officer for over three years. He was present during the tragedy in 2016 that killed two local officers in the line of duty, including one from his own department. The event where Johnson was awarded formed last year to honor Officers Nick Smarr and Jody Smith and raise money for The Smarr and Smith Foundation.

“To win Officer of the Year is a humbling experience,” said Johnson, “and I am grateful for those officers who have encouraged and guided me. I strive every day to be a better officer than I was the day before.”

Johnson is actively involved in the campus community as an advisor to the Student Government Association and a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team who he is working with to form a suicide prevention team on campus. He meets with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to learn about mental health and discuss suicide prevention options that affect the GSW community. He serves as a GSW IT compliance leader and is a member of GSW’s Cybercrime Response Team.

“[Johnson] is a pleasant known constant that we all agree has a bright future,” said GSW Public Safety Director Mike Tracy. “His involvement in different areas on campus serve as a positive reinforcement to how this department is viewed by our community.”

“I have always found him extremely capable, motivated, even-tempered and helpful,” Tracy said while presenting Johnson with his award. “He has never failed to give his best effort in whatever capacity he is placed.”

Johnson is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Public Safety Administration at Columbus State University and has recently completed Peace Officer Standards and Training Instructor Training in Forsyth, Ga. This training will allow Johnson to teach law enforcement to maintain their mandated training qualifications and gain greater knowledge and a broader skill set when doing their jobs.

“Officer Johnson’s awareness of the many different facets of law enforcement make him a constant assistance,” said Tracy. “He always exhibits the qualities of leadership when dealing with fellow officers and can be counted on to make sound decisions in the vast majority of opportunities afforded him.”

Detective Cedric Smith was recognized as Officer of the Year for the Americus Police Department, and Deputy Antoinette Johnson was named Officer of the Year for the Sumter County Sherriff’s Office at the event.