The Heart Behind the Badge

EPISODE 53

Officer Jessica Johnson’s 27 Years of Service

Episode 53: The Heart Behind the Badge

Celebrating a Community Hero: Officer Jessica Johnson’s Retirement

Join us as we honor Officer Jessica Johnson, a dedicated officer with 27 years of service in Lake Mills who quietly built a lifelong bond with her community through faithfulness, compassion, and leadership. Discover her inspiring journey, heartfelt stories, and the impact one person can make over decades of service.

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**Listen to Higher Hope Episode 54 – The Heart Behind the Badge**

Who’s in this Episode?

Jessica Johnson –

Officer Johnson completed her Bachelor’s degree at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, in Criminal Justice, both Law Enforcement and Corrections. After obtaining her degree, she entered Madison Area Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy as a Pre-Service Candidate.

In 2003, Officer Johnson became the Community Service Officer and became certified to teach D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. at the Lake Mills schools. She continued in that role until approximately 2011 when Officer Troy Oestreich took over. Upon his retirement in September 2021, Officer Johnson became the Community Service Officer again.

In December 2022, Officer Johnson officially became the Lake Mills School Resource Officer(SRO), after collaborating with the City of Lake Mills and Lake Mills Area School District.

Officer Johnson has received training from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). NASRO developed the “triad” concept of school-based policing. It divides the School Resource Officer’s responsibilities into three areas: Teacher, Informal Counselor, and Law Enforcement Officer. By training law enforcement to educate, counsel, and protect school communities, the men and women of NASRO continuously lead by example and promote a positive image of law enforcement to school children and communities.

Officer Johnson resides in Watertown with her two sons, Matthew, a freshman at UW —La Crosse, and Ryan, a sophomore at Watertown High School.

Jessica plans to stay active in the community through volunteering and part-time work, continuing her service in new ways, and sharing her experience and wisdom with future generations.

Adriane Stuebs – Higher Hope Podcast Host, Owner and Broker of Shine Realty

Thank you, Officer Jessica Johnson, for your unwavering dedication and the lasting legacy you’ve created in Lake Mills. Your heart and service inspire us all to lead with love and purpose.

Notes by Chloe Pfeiffer

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Higher Hope Podcast Cover Image host Adriane Stuebs

**About the Higher Hope Podcast**

Higher Hope shares heartfelt conversations with everyday people–moms, professionals, creatives–who live out their faith in every season of life. Whether you’re walking through a season of uncertainty or simply seeking inspiration, this show is here to uplift and remind you that hope is never out of reach.

Tune in and join a growing community grounded in faith, strengthened by stories, and united by the unwavering power of hope.

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