Carroll County High School teacher Benny Johnson has spent a lifetime serving others through law enforcement and now through education. That dedication was recently recognized when Johnson received the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the Simon Kenton Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
The award honors individuals for outstanding contributions to law enforcement. Recipients are nominated by members of the organization and undergo a thorough review process that includes interviews with colleagues and partner agencies.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization I’ve belonged to for a long time,” Johnson said. “The reality of law enforcement is that recognition and praise are few and far between, especially while you’re actively doing the job. I’ve been very fortunate. My law enforcement career was rewarding, and when I switched to education, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences.”
Johnson’s career in law enforcement spanned many years and included work as a police officer and investigator. He transitioned into education after a stint as the School Resource Officer at CCHS. Now he teaches in the criminal justice pathway at the high school and as an adjunct professor.
Johnson was presented the medal during a luncheon where multiple honorees were recognized. The nominator shared a brief history of the recipient’s background and accomplishments before the formal presentation.Johnson said he did not personally know the person who nominated him, but did work with his family members in one of his law enforcement positions.
A deep connection to history makes the honor especially meaningful for Johnson, who is an active and longtime member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He has documented at least five ancestors who fought in the American Revolution.
His journey into genealogy began with help from his daughter, who started researching the family’s history through Ancestry.com. The research traced Johnson’s roots back to the early 1600s in America on his mother’s side, and to Jamestown in 1619 on his father’s side.
“It’s kind of neat when you actually go back and see your ancestors and what they were part of,” Johnson said.
Johnson successfully linked his lineage to Lt. David Cox, his great-great-great-grandfather, who emigrated from Ireland and fought in the American Revolution alongside his brother. The SAR application process requires extensive documentation and verification of family trees before membership or recognition is approved.
With deep roots in Kentucky and a career built on service, Johnson said he was both surprised and grateful for the recognition.
“I was taken aback,” he said. “I’m very appreciative and honored to receive the award and the medal.”