×

Jackson police officer hit by car honored by organization

By Tia McKenzie Mar 7, 2024 | 12:19 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson police officers and community leaders were honored on Thursday, and among those officers was Cpl. Anthony Johnson.

Johnson was presented a check from Warriors of the Badge Foundation, which is an organization that helps first responders critically injured in the line of duty.

The Jackson police officer was injured while responding to a call about a patient, who was experiencing a mental health crisis at Merit Health Central. Police said Johnson was hit by a car that was being driven by the patient.

Despite his injury and slight memory loss, Johnson said he’s grateful.

“The City of Jackson does have a large mental health crisis, and I just felt the need to be a part of it. And I’ve been doing it for six years, been a police officer for 12 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever been hurt. And I would encourage other officers who are thinking about becoming a CIT officer, whoever wants officers to go forward. Don’t let this deter you from becoming a CIT officer, too. It’s rewarding. It’s a different kind of police work, but it’s also a great value to the citizens,” he stated.

  • Cpl. Anthony Johnson, with the Jackson Police Dept., was presented a check from Warriors of the Badge Foundation. (WJTV)
  • Cpl. Anthony Johnson, with the Jackson Police Dept., was presented a check from Warriors of the Badge Foundation. (WJTV)

Johnson is the leader of the Jackson Police Department’s (JPD) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) unit. He has not returned to work yet, but he said he’s looking forward to getting back to help others.