Remembering a Former CCA Employee: Stephen Johns

At times, heroism is defined in the wake of tragedy – such was the case in June when a gunman opened fire in Washington, D.C.'s Holocaust Museum and Stephen Johns – a former CCA employee – was killed in the line of duty.

Prior to working as a security guard at the Holocaust Museum, Johns served for a year as a correctional officer at CCA's Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF).

"He was a caring, helpful person with a very good demeanor and he always had a smile on his face," says Rochelle Vaughan, Correctional Officer and Union President at CTF. "One of the things that he would always do is ask, 'How was your day?' and he would always say to employees, 'Have a safe tour of duty' before they went on their shifts."

In his honor, the facility established the Stephen Johns Memorial Fund. "All contributions will be turned over to his wife for whatever purpose she sees fit," says Walter Fulton, Assistant Warden, Programs at CTF.

By DeAndra Mack

Sound Out

Linda Sevison at Idaho Correctional Center:

I had no idea that Mr. Johns was a former CCA employee. My heart goes out to his family. We never know how or when tragedy will strike, but it's good to know that co-workers (even former co-workers) will rally together for support.

Larry Coates at Metro-Davidson County Det. Facility:

I too, had no idea that Mr. Johns was a former CCA employee. I asked my friend that still works at the museum (an ex-TCA employee) about Mr. Johns, and he referred to him a "gentle giant."