By Terra Avilla
During my time as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at the high school, there is a day that remains etched in my memory, not just for the incident itself, but for the way this week’s, feature, Laura Johnson handled it.
When Sergeant Johnson arrived (although her title was Deputy then), her demeanor was very direct and no-nonsense.
Laura has the best sayings and quips of any person I have ever met.
She quickly assessed the situation, and I remember her saying very well in admonishing the teens. However, what struck me most was her underlying warmth and genuine concern for the kids involved.
While she was firm and straightforward, she also had a nurturing side that reminded me of a caring mother figure. As she engaged with the students, it became clear that her approach was not just about enforcing rules; it was about understanding and guiding them. And she did this all while being so genuinely herself in a way only Laura can do.
If you have lived in Lassen County for a day, I’m sure you have met or heard of Laura.
In the law enforcement world that woman is a legend. When I moved here, she was one of the few, female law enforcement officers on the force, and I was correct to look up to her as I did. Handles her business, cares for people, knows what she is doing. (Check, check and check.)
However, aside from her many years patrolling our county and her countless hours advocating for special victims (the woman has a huge skill set in this field), Laura is much more than the title of her job.
Laura is a very proud momma and wife. As both she and her husband work in public safety, Laura’s schedule is nothing short of crazy, yet she manages to balance work and her home life with ease (or at least does a really good job of making it look easy).
Laura brings a lot of strength to a position that also requires empathy. This makes her a solid leader as well as a friend to many. I don’t think I ever told her how much I admire and respect her, so I figure there is no better time or place than now. Laura, you are nothing short of awesome, and what you do does not go unnoticed.
There were so many times as a woman in law enforcement, I felt defeated or scared or intimidated and I remember what you said at the girl’s youth leadership you spoke at for me in 2017.
A little girl asked you about if you ever got scared as a police officer, and you said that you did get scared, and that it is okay to be scared sometimes, but you can’t let being scared stop you from doing the right thing and helping people, and that you have to believe that you can handle hard things because you already have handled hard things, so you know can do it again – and I literally live by that to this day.
I am proud to know you and you are and have been for a very long time – one of the reasons I love where we live.
