BROOKVILLE – Douglas J. Johnson announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Jefferson County sheriff.
He has been a life-long Republican since registering at age of 18. He only ever missed voting one time, that being the primary election in 1981.
Johnson was born in Indiana and was raised in the small coal towns of Arcadia and Cherry Tree, before moving to Greensburg. He graduated from Hempfield Area High School in 1974. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Training Center in November 1980 and moved to Brockway in 1981.
Johnson is married to Teresa (Miksich) Johnson and have five children, Melissa (22), Nicole (19), Ryan (16), Brittany (13) and Kayla (12).
Johnson said his 29 years of experience as a police officer, the last 26 years with the Brockway Police Department and 15 years as the chief of police, will well serve the residents of Jefferson County.
He is a founding member of the Jefferson County Drug Task Force and has served as a coordinator for the district attorney. Johnson has served on the board of directors of the following organizations: as a trustee, treasurer and currently secretary for the Fraternal Order of Police, Jefferson Lodge No. 68; as treasurer of the former Brockway Kiwanis Club; as a coach and safety officer for the Brockway Little League; as trustee and president of the West Point Volunteer Fire Department; and as security officer for Priority First Federal Credit Union.
Johnson is also a current a member of the Brockway Borough Board of Health, the Brockway Sportsmen’s Club, the Brockway Kiaimanns Club, Hobah Lodge No. 276 of the Free and Accepted Masons; the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chief’s of Police Association; and Judge Foradora’s Children’s Roundtable of Jefferson County.
Johnson also assists in the administration of funds for the Brockway Ministerium Association and as a Boy Scout merit badge counselor.
In addition, he works part-time as an independent contractor for Quiktrak Inc., which conducts inspection and inventory services for financial institutions, manufactures and leasing firms.
Johnson has an associate degree in law enforcement and police science from Westmoreland County community college and attended Indiana University Pennsylvania, majoring in criminology. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in 1980.
He is also a certified firearms instructor by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Johnson said, “My experience in all facets of the Emergency Response System provides a unique background of those candidates seeking this position. Having served as a volunteer firefighter, emergency medical technician and certified police officer. My extensive training in the administration of a small police department, drug enforcement and investigative skills make me an excellent candidate for Jefferson County sheriff.”