Luther Family Ford Salute to Law Enforcement

The Moorhead Police Department is proud to nominate Officer Cuyler Johnson for the Luther Family Ford’s August 2026 Salute to Law Enforcement Award. Officer Johnson earned is A.S. degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in the spring of 2015 after completing his Police Skills Training at Alexandria Technical College the previous summer. He began his law enforcement career with the Jamestown Police Department (ND) in November 2015, where he served as a patrol officer and took on additional responsibilities as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and as an operator on the department’s Special Operations Team. Officer Johnson served the Jamestown community with dedication until March 2019.

In April 2019, Officer Johnson joined the Moorhead Police Department and quickly distinguished himself as a reliable, committed and highly skilled member of the organization. He is currently assigned to the Community Services Division and serves as both a Field Training Officer and a Use of Force Instructor. In his FTO role, he has helped train 31 new officers, directly contributing to the continued growth, readiness and professionalism of the department. As a Use of Force Instructor, he is responsible for training officers in defensive tactics, the use of the Taser and other less lethal tools, bringing both expertise and passion to his instruction. His enthusiasm for defensive tactics is evident in his teaching, and he continues to advance his skills outside of work as a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

From 2023 to 2025, Officer Johnson also served as an operator on the Red River Valley S.W.A.T. Team, further demonstrating his commitment to public safety, specialized training, and team preparedness. He consistently approaches all responsibilities with enthusiasm, striving to enhance officer confidence, capability and safety. Officer Johnson has earned two Life Saving Awards during his tenure with the Moorhead Police Department. In April 2020, he recognized a woman in crisis standing on the elevated concrete ledge of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Through calm communication and decisive action, he safely brought her away from danger, preventing her from harming herself.

In February 2024, Officer Johnson and a citizen rescued a man who had fallen through the ice on the Red River. Officer Johnson located the individual, kept him calm and worked with the nearby citizen to develop a rescue plan. Together, they used a piece of wood to reach the man and pull him to safety. Outside of work, Officer Johnson enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Rachael, have a twoyearold daughter, Millie. Officer Johnson takes great pride in being a father and one of his favorite daily moments is reading to Millie—something she frequently requests and eagerly looks forward to.

Officer Johnson exemplifies dedication, courage, professionalism and compassion. His ongoing contributions to the Moorhead Police Department and the community make him highly deserving of this recognition.