New Florala Police Officer Beth Johnson is the epitome of, “if at first you don’t succeed, try again.”

FPD welcomed Johnson to its police force last Thursday.

Johnson graduated from Straughn High School in 2016.

“Growing up I always had a passion for law enforcement,” she said. “I also wanted to work in a team atmosphere where I can help people and be a role model to kids.”

Johnson’s road to becoming a police officer wasn’t an easy one.

After being hired on, Johnson was sent to Selma Police Academy, where she was sent home in the first week after failing a PT test.

“When I got home I didn’t let it get me down. Instead, I made it motivate me to train harder. A few months later I went back to prove I belonged there.”

She then passed all of her mandatories and became a squad leader and vice president of class 159.

After a long 13 weeks, she graduated and received the leadership award from the academy staff.

“I’m very excited to become a part of the blue line family,” said Johnson.

She thanked the law enforcement officers, her family and friends, and Chief Sonny Bedsole and Assistant Chief Jessica McGraw for the opportunity.