This is Mari Johnson. She was a correctional officer at the Robertson Unit in Abilene Texas. She served seven years as a correctional officer before her life was taken by an inmate on July 16, 2016.
Even though the world now has its focus on Baton Rouge and Dallas, we must never forget the law enforcement professionals who work behind the wall and sacrifice their lives on a daily basis in their service to the public.
Mari Johnson was a warrior. She walked a beat very few will ever understand. She was courageous and stood defending the line between order and chaos.
As we look back and count the law enforcement lives that were loss, let’s not forget those who work behind the wall. Let’s not forget their sacrifices in their attempt to protect the public.
Corrections completes the circle of law enforcement and failure to recognize that is a failure to recognize the sacrifices that are made by the many who work behind the wall. It’s a failure to recognize individuals like Mari Johnson who devoted their lives to serving the public and paid the ultimate price.
Let’s recognize Mari Johnson and, in doing so, let’s recognize the profession she dedicated her life too. Let’s remind the world that she was a law enforcement professional and her death is a reminder, to the many, of the sacrifices we make on daily basis.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice released the following statement:
Correctional officers have one of the most difficult jobs in all of state government protecting the public from dangerous individuals,” said Brad Livingston, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. “Each day thousands of men and women in gray are carrying out that critical mission. This is a tragic reminder that carrying out that mission can lead to the ultimate sacrifice. Ms. Johnson made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this state safe. She will never be forgotten. We will see that the offender who committed this cowardly act is held accountable.”
“In times like these, it’s difficult to put into words the loss felt by the department when a correctional officer dies in the line of duty,” said Dale Wainwright, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. “I ask the public to remember their acts of unselfishness, remember their many acts of courage, and remember the dedication and commitment demonstrated every day by correctional officers. Please pray for this officer’s friends, family, and the department during this time.
Let’s stand united and tell the world that this type of actions against a law enforcement professional, both inside and outside the wall, will not be tolerated. Let’s stand with the Johnson family and the TDCJ and remind them that they are not alone. Let’s remind them that their loss is one we share with them.
May her sacrifice bring about the change in recognition this profession deserves. Through her, let the world see that those behind the wall are law enforcement professionals and their service to the public is needed and respected.
Mari Johnson, thank you for your service and your professionalism in carrying out your duties. May you know that even though you have been called to a greater service, we will continue the work you started here.
Your watch maybe over, but your light shines brightly on what remains. May that light guide us and bring us safely home at night. Carry on soldier, we will take it from here.
