NJ Cops | Page 42

Still on the job Johnson brings a law enforcement voice to the legislature n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL Like with every New Jersey State Legislator, a conversation with Assemblyman Gordon Johnson begins with asking for an assessment of the pension situation. Johnson, from Englewood and Bergen County’s 37th District, takes the question in stride, then segues into a somewhat unexpected response. “I think it’s also important as a legislator that I work to get law enforcement officers the resources they need to do their duties and keep them safe to go home at the end of their shifts,” he answers. “Like this commuLEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT: nication system I’m hearing about Assemblyman that can give offiGordon M. Johnson cers real-time information right on the spot when they make a motor vehicle stop: These are resources they need to get home. This is as important as any issue.” If he sounds like a law enforcement officer as much as a concerted cop advocate, well, Johnson doesn’t talk the talk. He’s walked the beat, spending 27 years on the job as an Englewood Police Department officer and Local 216 member, three years as a Bergen County Undersheriff and another year as Bergen County Sheriff. Johnson takes pride in being a law enforcement officer representing in Trenton rather than just representing law enforcement in the legislature. Perhaps it’s a subtle distinction, but an important one that allows him not just advocate for cops but for all issues that serve the public. Gordon M. Johnson • Democrat-37th District • General Assembly Deputy Speaker Legislative Service • General Assembly 2002-present • Deputy Speaker 2014-present • Majority Conference Leader 2012-13 • Deputy Conference Leader 2010-11 Committee Service • Commerce and Economic Development, Chair • Judiciary, Vice-Chair • Budget 42 NEW JERSEY COPS n APRIL 2015 He takes pride in