Highway Patrol trooper honored

Governor Henry honored a barrier-breaking Oklahoman today at the capitol. Lt. Ronald Johnson was the first black Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper in our state.

Thursday, February 7th 2008, 4:20 pm

By: News 9

NEWS 9

Governor Henry honored a barrier-breaking Oklahoman today at the capitol.

Lt. Ronald Johnson was the first black Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper in our state. He served from 1967 to 1987. Lt. Johnson says his first effort to join OHP was turned down.

"I can remember when I first went to the department of public safety and asked for an application, and this is what they said, ‘We're not ready for you yet'. I said, ‘I will be back, and you be ready'," Lt. Ronald Johnson said.

Lt. Johnson says he's thankful to the state for letting him serve.