7-24-2026 10:48am

LFP PD Officer Spotlight - Traffic Support Officer Amanda Johnson

Chris Clasen Editor

LFP Town Crier continues our LFP PD officer spotlight with busy traffic support officer, Amanda Johnson. You may have noticed her out there keeping our streets safe. I know I have.

What made you want to get into law enforcement?

My first interaction with a police officer was during a D.A.R.E. presentation in elementary school. I still remember one of the officers telling me that I had the potential to do something great with my life. That officer gave me the knowledge of the power of choice, and it stuck with me my entire life. Some years ago, I kept being in places while there was some sort of emergency happening and even when there were multiple people around, I was the only one to respond. I took that as a sign and began training and educating myself about the industry and preparing for the testing and hiring process.

What type of work did you do before entering law enforcement?

Before becoming an officer, I was in the health and fitness industry for almost 20 years as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Massage Therapist. I specialized in sports performance, pre and post-surgery care, and postural distortions. I worked with a Physical Therapist, private and commercial gyms, and I spent almost five years with the DOD at Naval Station Everett training sailors, Special Forces teams and Marines Officers. After COVID, I worked for a private sports recovery center until I made the transition to becoming an officer.

How long have you been in law enforcement?

I’ve been with the Lake Forest Park Police Department for two and a half years.

LFP is lucky to have you. Why did you choose our city to work in?

I chose Lake Forest Park because I grew up in a small town, and although LFP is surrounded by densely populated cities, it has maintained its unique small-town character while facing many of the same public safety challenges as larger communities. I wanted to serve with a department where I would have the opportunity to grow professionally, continue learning, and build meaningful relationships with the community. I believe those connections are what enable officers to make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of the people they serve.

What types of challenges do you face on the job?

Relationships and resources. First responders are a breed of their own and come with a lot of strong personalities. In a small police department, every employee plays a vital role. Success depends on effective communication, teamwork, and each person willing to carry their share of the workload. When everyone is accountable and works together, the department can operate efficiently while providing the highest level of service to the community. The support of our city council and community is essential in making sure we have the officers, equipment and training we need to provide the service in the city this size demands.

Has your job become harder or more challenging over the years?

The Traffic Support Officer position was created by the previous Chief of Police, Chief Harden, and we launched it in the beginning of 2025. For the past year and a half, this position has grown into more than we ever envisioned it to. The broad range of responsibilities associated with this position makes it both demanding and incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to serve in such a multifaceted role provides continuous challenges, fosters professional growth, and allows me to make a meaningful impact on both the department and the community.

Are there additional resources or training that you wish were available?

We are very blessed here at LFPPD to have such a supportive Command staff. If we want to improve our knowledge and skills in any way, they do everything they can to make it happen. As I mentioned before, being a smaller department, we all wear many hats so when we are short staffed, sharing the load of duties might become challenging. If I could wish for something, it would be a building big enough to facilitate a well-rounded training room for defensive tactics and more well-rounded physical training.

What will it take for you to stay working in LFP?

The continued opportunity to grow, learn and connect with the community.

Do you feel valued and respected in LFP?

Yes. When there are concerns, issues are addressed. The team also openly and often discusses things that are going well and ways to support each other’s goals.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Nothing can prepare you for this job, but having a diverse team that want to do great work makes it the best job ever and I am thankful to be a part of it.

Sincerely,

Officer Amanda Johnson

Lake forest Police Department

Traffic Support Officer