LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. John Johnson upon the occasion of
his retirement after 29 years of distinguished service to the Office of
Mental Health

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
John Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 29 years of
distinguished service to the Office of Mental Health; he was recognized
at a retirement luncheon on Friday, January 21, 2011, at the Garden City
Hotel, Garden City, New York; and
WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, Dr. John Johnson rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the Office of Mental Health; and
WHEREAS, Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised by his grand-
parents in Salisbury, North Carolina, Dr. John Johnson graduated from
Overbrook High School, where he led his Jump Team to the Citywide Cham-
pionship; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, Dr. John Johnson enlisted in the United
States Marines and served his country as a Marine Sergeant during the
Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Dr. John Johnson enrolled in Livingstone
College and studied there from 1971-1974; he then attended the Universi-
ty of Chicago, completing his graduate studies in social work with a
focus on Administration/Organizational Policy and Planning; and
WHEREAS, Dr. John Johnson began his career at Creedmoor Psychiatric
Center in July of 1982 as a social worker; two years later, he was reas-
signed to Seven Communities Counseling Center in Richmond Hills, and in
1988, he became the Intensive Case Manager Coordinator at Creedmoor
Psychiatric Center; and
WHEREAS, In his official acts, Dr. John Johnson served with loyalty,
honor and distinction; governed by a keen sense of duty, he always
showed a unique grasp of human problems; and
WHEREAS, Dr. John Johnson's military and family institute training
enhanced the thoughts and functioning of the community's mental health
services, evident by his crucial role in mobilizing a phenomenal clin-
ical mental health team during the tragedy of September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, This vital clinical mental health team serviced the American
Red Cross, the New York City Police Department, the Department of
Corrections, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the United States
Marines, the United States Navy, the Department of Sanitation, Environ-
mental Control, and the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Andrea, and
their two daughters, Cassandra and Tiffany, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Office of Mental Health, Dr. John
Johnson earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. John Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 29

years of distinguished service to the Office of Mental Health; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. John Johnson.