WOODY JOHNSON
Woodford L. “Woody” Johnson Sr., who spent nearly five decades with the Town of Tappahannock Police Department before retiring in 2019, has died.
A native of Laneview, Johnson graduated from Tappahannock High School and served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. When he returned home, he joined the TPD in 1971 as a patrol officer. He was later named town sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant in 1995, and served in that capacity until his retirement.
“Woody Johnson has always been dependable, knowledgeable, friendly, firm and a mentor,” Tappahannock Police Chief James G. Ashworth Jr. said upon Johnson’s retirement. “To many, he’s been the face of the Tappahannock Police Department. He was a wealth of information. He just knows everything about this area. He’s a true friend who will be missed not only by me, but the department and the community he faithfully served.”
Johnson was the recipient of a U.S. House of Representatives Resolution submitted by Rep. Robert J. Wittman recognizing his service.
“In an era where people change jobs and occupations frequently, Woody has stayed true to his chosen profession,” the last paragraph of the resolution reads. “The Tappahannock Police Department has been extremely fortunate to have had someone like Woody Johnson and he will be missed by his fellow officers but most of all, by the community.”
The Tappahannock Police Department posted the following on its social media page: “Woody was a reliable, dedicated public servant who retired as a legendary figure. He saw many changes to the town, law enforcement, and the world itself but never changed his dedication to the task at hand. Many will remember Woody as a fixture at the bowling alley, movie theater, softball fields, or discussing the latest events at the post office. We will all miss Woody and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
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