Who is Octavia Johnson
Sheriff Johnson is a native of Elk Creek, Virginia. A graduate of Wytheville Community College she has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Police Science and certificates in Law Enforcement and Corrections.
Sheriff Johnson relocated to Roanoke in 1976 and was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 1979. While serving with the department, Sheriff Johnson completed certification training in Basic Jailor and Courtroom Security and Basic Law Enforcement. In 2004 she retired with 25 years of dedicated service spanning the jail, court services and civil process. Octavia Johnson first ran for public office in 2001 culling 40 per cent of the vote. November 8, 2005, Octavia Johnson was the first woman and first minority elected sheriff of Roanoke, Virginia.
- Sheriff Johnson maintains an active role in the community.
- She is a member of the National Sheriff’s Association, Virginia Sheriff’s Association and the Fraternal Order of Police
- Sheriff Johnson has been appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women and to the Executive Board of the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy.
- She is also a member on the boards of Virginia Cares Inc. and The Rescue Mission,
- Sheriff Johnson is a member of the NAACP, Roanoke Republican Women and Roanoke City Republican Committee.
- She is a member of Greater Emmanuel Church and a member of the board of the MAPS Women’s Conference.
In 2006 the YWCA presented Sheriff Johnson with the Woman of Achievement Award for Government and Politics. February of 2007 TAP honored her with an award for her achievements as an African American. In 2007 the Harrison Museum of African American Culture recognized Sheriff Johnson as a Trail Blazer. The Roanoke Branch NAACP presented Sheriff Johnson with a 2007 Citizen of the Year Award. The Roanoke Southern Christian Leadership Conference presented Sheriff Johnson with a 2009 Martin Luther King Drum Major Award for Justice.
Octavia Johnson is married to Mark K. Neese of the Botetourt Sheriff’s Office. They live in the Jefferson Hills area of Roanoke City with their dog, Honor.
Contact Us: Phone: 540-985-9126 Address: Octavia Johnson for Sheriff, P.O. Box 3289, Roanoke, VA 24015 Email: electoctaviajohnson@yahoo.com
