U.S. CONGRESSMAN BILL JOHNSON Proudly Representing Eastern and Southeastern Ohio

For the first time, U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson found himself in a police cruiser Tuesday morning, but not due to any wrongdoing on the part of the congressman.

Johnson took the opportunity for a ride-along with city Patrolman Rob Smith to get an idea what he and other police officers contend with each day.

“These guys and ladies have a very tough job. They put their lives on the line every day. I wanted to hear directly from them what their challenges are,” Johnson said as he prepared to ride through the streets of East Liverpool.

The congressman said he had never ridden in a police cruiser before, “and certainly not in the back of one,” he smiled.

Johnson said that, by riding with Smith, he wanted to “see how he responds and hear his thoughts,” as he went about his daily duties, saying, “These guys are public servants…they have to have really big hearts.”

Noting that East Liverpool had previously been in the media regarding its drug problems but now is “making great strides” in remedying the opioid crisis, saying, “I want to hear some of their tactics.”

Asked how this ride along might be used in the future to benefit the police, Johnson said, “I deal with legislation in Washington all the time, whether it’s funding for training or equipment. Basically, this is a way to be informed when we draft policies to help the men in blue.”

He and two of his aides rode with Smith for about 40 minutes, and upon their return, Johnson said they had “looked at some problem areas,” saying he was encouraged by how the city seems to be overcoming some of its past drug problems, identifying where they are coming from and holding accountable those responsible for bringing them to the city.

“I’m glad to hear of their progress in getting drugs off the street,” Johnson said. “I have so much respect for these first responders. Anything I can do to help them.”

In addition to the ride-along, Johnson stopped in at Family Care Ministries across the street from the police department, where Don and Josh Lytle and their staff have undertaken the task of trying to help those with addictions, using a faith-based approach.

Asked about his visit there, Johnson said, “In my experience, the faith-based drug recovery programs are producing some of the most positive results. It’s one thing to change the outside; it’s another thing to change the inside. It’s the inside change that produces long-time results.”

The congressman continued, “I appreciate what Josh and his team are doing, and if I can do anything to support them, I will do it.”