Plumstead Corporal Named "Officer Of The Year" By American Legion

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA — Plumstead Police Corporal Michael Johnson has been named “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” by the members of Albert R. Atkinson Jr. American Legion Post 210 for his dedication and commitment to the Plumstead community.

Corporal Johnson has worked tirelessly since joining the Plumstead Township Department in 2009, said Chief David A. Mettin. "He is a true leader in policing and an advocate in our community, driving many community engagement efforts throughout the year."

Before coming to Plumstead, Corporal Johnson worked for the Doylestown Township Police Department from 1980 to 2009.

Corporal Johnson was instrumental in forming the Bucks County Special Response Team and is a 1997 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

In Plumstead, Corporal Johnson has taken a lead role in the department's community policing and engagement efforts including its Coffee With A Cop program, which brings officers and the community together to talk and to socialize over coffee.

He also plays a key role in making the department's Law Enforcement Night a success by providing food, water ice and coordinating activities throughout the evening. And he solicits all of the goods and services through donations from local vendors.

At the event, residents from throughout the community have the opportunity to interact with officers, see the equipment used by police, look through specialty vehicles and speak with other government service providers.

During the holiday season, Corporal Johnson spearheads "Pack the Patrol Car," the department's annual food collection drive. And under his leadership, the drive has expanded to two locations in the township.

His efforts have directly led to the feeding of hundreds of families from throughout the area.

Corporal Johnson also organizes the department's involvement with "Shop With A Cop," which brings together officers from surrounding police agencies to make the holidays brighter for local children and families in need.

In coordination with the Central Bucks School District, Corporal Johnson invites financially struggling families on a shopping spree paid for by donations. The families are paired with local officers who accompany them as they shop for gifts for themselves and other family members.

"Corporal Johnson spends both his on-duty and off-duty time proving his dedication to the Plumstead community, working to make these and all of our events successful," said Chief Mettin.

Corporal Johnson’s dedication to service also reaches beyond the Plumstead community. He is a life-long resident of Quakertown Borough and has served as a member of borough council since
2008 where he leads the Health, Safety and Welfare committee.

He also volunteers his “free time” at numerous community events hosted by Quakertown Borough. In addition, Michael is a member of the Board of Trustees of the St. Luke’s Hospital – Quakertown and Upper Bucks campuses.

"It is with tireless dedication that Michael Johnson serves his community," said the chief. "His roles as police officer, community policing professional, elected official and hospital trustee take his time and energy. Above all else, Michael is a dedicated husband and father, balancing his professional and personal life to prosper in both."