Rossford Officer Honored for Leading Drug Prevention Program in Schools

TOLEDO, Ohio — Jodi Johnson, a seasoned officer with the Rossford Police Department, has earned statewide recognition for her dedicated work educating students about drug and violence prevention. Named Ohio Instructor of the Year by the nationwide Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) program, Johnson has spent decades translating her real-world law enforcement experience into lessons aimed at fostering respect and safe choices among youth.

Johnson, who has served the Rossford community for 30 years, now focuses much of her energy on teaching students from kindergarten through high school at Rossford Junior-Senior High. Her lessons emphasize respect for teachers and peers, as well as awareness about the dangers of nicotine, vaping, alcohol, and marijuana.

“I worked the midnight shift for 10 years,” Johnson said. “As mama says, ‘nothing good ever happens after midnight,’ so I have a lot of stories to share with those kids… I hope they don’t make those same decisions and they can learn from them.”

The L.E.A.D. program, a nonprofit supported by a grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s office, offers 10 to 15-week courses that are regularly updated to remain relevant and age-appropriate. Johnson noted that her biggest concerns are social media and cellphone use, warning that many young people do not fully grasp the impact these technologies can have on their lives.

Beyond educating students, Johnson travels across Ohio and the country to train other L.E.A.D. instructors, expanding the program’s reach and influence. She believes an added benefit is the opportunity for students to engage with law enforcement officers in a positive, non-threatening environment, building trust and understanding.

When named Instructor of the Year, Johnson said she was “very surprised and blessed,” but emphasized that the greatest reward is seeing her lessons resonate.

“To be amazing citizens in our society, that’s what I’m hoping,” she said.