Monica Johnson: Sierra Leone Police Mourns Death of Female Local Unit Commander
The Sierra Leone Police are mourning the loss of Superintendent Monica Johnson, the esteemed Local Unit Commander of the New England Ville Police Division. Superintendent Johnson, known for her dedication and trailblazing career, passed away recently, leaving a profound impact on her colleagues and community.
Monica Johnson began her policing career on December 21, 2002, as a general duties officer. Over the years, she served in various significant roles, including positions in the Media and Public Relations Department, Corporate Affairs Department, Police Training Academy, and Training Directorate. Her most recent role was as the Local Unit Commander at the Lumley New England Division before her promotion to her final position.
Her career was marked by significant achievements and a commitment to excellence. ASP Johnson, affectionately known as Monique de Unique, was one of the few female police officers who rose to high-ranking positions within the force. She followed in the footsteps of pioneers like Retired AIG Kadie Fakondo, AIG Betty Turay, AIG Gloria O. V. Tarawally, and AIG Memuna Konteh-Jalloh. These women proved that what men can do, women can do even better, and Johnson upheld this tradition with distinction.
Johnson's educational background was equally impressive. She held a Master's degree from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom and was renowned as one of the best detectives in her field. Her administrative acumen was evident through her service in various capacities, including as an operations-minor-officer at Central Police Division. In this role, she played a key part in restoring trust and confidence between the police and the community.
One of Johnson's notable initiatives was a system she developed to motivate and reward hardworking police officers at the Central Police Division. This initiative recognized and celebrated the dedication and commitment of her colleagues, fostering a culture of excellence within the force. Her role as a lecturer at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) further demonstrated her commitment to capacity building and professional development. Through her lectures, she influenced and empowered numerous senior and junior police officers.
Johnson's integrity, passion for her job, and adherence to professional ethics were hallmarks of her distinguished career. Before her promotion to the Local Unit Commander of New England Police, she served as the Support Officer of the Lumley Division, where she continued to make significant contributions to law enforcement.
Superintendent Johnson was a dedicated public servant whose efforts were instrumental in maintaining law and order and enhancing the safety and well-being of Sierra Leoneans. Her untimely death is a significant loss to the police force and the community she served so diligently. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues, friends, and family.
In a recent and poignant twist of fate, Mrs. Johnson had just been promoted to the position of Local Unit Commander of the New England Ville Police Division, a testament to her exceptional service and leadership.
The Sierra Leone Police and the community extend their heartfelt condolences to Superintendent Johnson's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Her legacy of service, dedication, and excellence will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.