Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Jefferson County Sheriff Office (JCSO) held a brief ceremony last week to honor one of its own.
As Sheriff Mac McNeill explained it, the department annually selects an employee to receive a certificate of appreciation for community service, a recognition presented by Post 251 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
This year’s recipient was Sgt. Lena Wren Johnson, who is currently in the JCSO’s narcotic unit. Presenting the VFW award was Ben Ransom, a Vietnam War veteran and member of Post 251.
In keeping with Johnson’s desire, the affair was kept low-key, with several of the JCSO staff gathering in the conference room to congratulate her and afterwards enjoying a treat of coffee and donuts.
Johnson has been with the JCSO three years, but altogether she has been 11 years in law enforcement. She served previously as a detective in Desoto County, Fla., and then in Thomas County, Ga.
When asked why she had chosen to come to Jefferson County, after serving in much larger
departments, Johnson said she enjoyed the slower and friendlier atmosphere of a smaller community.
“We wanted to live in a small town,” she said. “I like to know people, and in a small county you recognize faces.”
Sheriff Mac McNeill praised Johnson for the work she is doing for the department.
“We’re fortunate to have her work for us,” McNeill said. “She brings experience from other law enforcement offices, and she’s a hard and dedicated worker.”