JSO Corrections Officer Honored as the Florida Sheriffs Association 2026 Corrections Officer of the Year
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer Obbie Johnson was recognized Monday as the Florida Sheriffs Association's 2026 Corrections Officer of the Year.
Please see the release below issued by the Florida Sheriffs Association, provided by The Moore Agency:
The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is deeply honored to recognize Officer Obbie Johnson of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as the Florida Sheriffs Association 2026 Corrections Officer of the Year. This prestigious award, sponsored by Securus Technologies, recognizes an officer who has demonstrated unparalleled courage, commitment, and sacrifice in the line of duty.
On May 1, 2025, during evening meal service at a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office facility, Officer Obbie Johnson was alerted to a possible emergency outside the secure perimeter after an inmate reported witnessing a woman jump from the Duval Street Bridge into Hogans Creek. Officer Johnson immediately notified his supervisor and responded to the area, exiting the secure compound and searching the creek. He located the woman floating face down in the water and, without hesitation or regard for his own safety, removed his duty belt and jacket and entered the murky, chest-deep creek to reach her.
Officer Johnson pulled the unconscious woman to the opposite bank, overcoming a steep, muddy embankment, and determined she was unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. He immediately began chest compressions and continued lifesaving efforts for at least ten minutes as rescue personnel worked to reach the remote location. Each time the woman stopped breathing, Officer Johnson resumed CPR, ultimately restoring her responsiveness and breathing until emergency medical personnel arrived and transported her to UF Health Hospital for further treatment.
“Officer Johnson actions speak to the very heart of why we wear this badge, because every life matters.” said FSA President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “He did not wait, he did not hesitate, and he did not act for recognition. He acted because people in peril are counting on someone to step forward. That courage and instinct to serve and protect, even at great risk to himself, embodies the very best of the policing profession and reminds us all why we chose this calling.”
The Corrections Officer of the Year Award was presented during the FSA Sheriffs 2026 Winter Conference, where Officer Johnson was recognized before his peers for his heroism and dedication. The Florida Sheriffs Association proudly commends Officer Obbie Johnson and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their continued commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Florida.
The Florida Sheriffs Association Corrections Officer of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Securus Technologies.
Official award video: https://youtu.be/14H2El-NYww
About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.
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