Baltimore County Police Chief James W. Johnson was recognized this month by a national law enforcement association for advocating for stricter gun control laws.
Johnson received the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives' Outstanding Service Award for serving as the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence.
Serving as the partnership chair, Johnson has been a very outspoken supporter for tougher gun laws, including banning assault-weapons sales. During a high-profile U.S. Senate hearing in January, he confronted the executive director of the National Rifle Association, urging lawmakers to consider stricter gun laws in the wake of the mass school shooting at Newtown, Conn.
"The issue of firearms violence is very serious and I am gratified that my efforts to call for a background check for all firearm sales nationwide have been recognized by leading law enforcement organizations," Johnson said in a statement.
He received the award in Pittsburgh on August 4.
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