The Cleveland Police Foundation proudly announces that the recipient of our Community Partner of the Month Award for October 2022 is Tomika Johnson.
CPF’s Bob Guttu, Tomika Johnson and her son, Zaire, Sergeant Ray O’Connor, Officer Brooklyn Barnes, and CPF Executive Director Rick DeChant
This month’s Cleveland Police Foundation’s Community Partner of the Month is a true hero and well deserving of this recognition. Tomika Johnson was attending a “back to school” festival at the Friendly Inn when she learned that CPD Fourth District Sergeant Ray O’Connor was stung by two bees, was allergic to them, and had left his EpiPen at the District.
While the officers on scene attended to a now unconscious Sergeant O’Connor, Tomika ran home to grab her 10-year-old son Zaire’s EpiPen. Returning on scene within seconds, Ms. Johnson volunteered the EpiPen to Officer Brooklyn Barnes who administered it to Sergeant O’Connor, after which he was transported to St. Vincent Charity Hospital.
Sergeant O’Connor remained unconscious, and doctors and medical staff quickly provided medical attention. He was then transferred to ICU for further observation and has since recovered completely. The doctors on duty at the time of the event explained to Officer Barnes that the EpiPen that was provided by Ms. Johnson, and the quick response from all the officers, no doubt saved his life.
When reached to comment about this incident Sergeant Ray O’Connor stated, “I will forever be grateful to Tomika Johnson, her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity will never be forgotten.”
It is because of her kindness and caring for a fellow human being that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Tomika Johnson our Community Partner of the Month for October 2022.
Nominated by Sergeant Ray O’Connor