Candlelight vigil honors Rockdale Conservation District Supervisor Kenny Johnson

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Kenny Johnson, Rockdale County’s Conservation District Supervisor, was remembered on Tuesday as a staunch fighter known for his commitment to protecting the environment and public health. 

Several Rockdale residents and others who knew Johnson gathered for a candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening at the home of community activist Josie Dean to honor and celebrate the community champion. The 62-year-old collapsed and died on June 8 after testifying before a legislative panel at the Georgia Capitol on the dangers posed by the BioLab chemical fire, which broke out in Rockdale on Sept. 29. 

State Rep. Viola Davis, who attended the vigil, called Johnson a “truth teller” who gave all that he had to protect this community. Davis, a registered nurse, was among those who was with Johnson as he had a medical emergency after speaking. She and four others took turns performing CPR as they waited for paramedics to transport Johnson to the hospital. 

“Rockdale County lost a soldier,” said Brian L. Jenkins, former president of the Rockdale County branch of the NAACP.  Jenkins said Johnson died fighting on behalf of the community.

Janice Morris said she and Johnson had known one another for over 20 years. 

“He gave so much to us,” said Morris. 

Several others shared similar sentiments, including Betty Maddox, who said her sister died from cancer as a result of a BioLab chemical incident in 2004. BioLab has had at least three other major toxic incidents in Rockdale. Maddox and her family, which includes DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox, have spoken out about the dangers that the plant posed to citizens. 

Johnson had told state lawmakers that he had fought for six years to have the plant shut down to no avail. 

Georgia Bureau of Investigation officials say Johnson’s family has declined to have an autopsy performed. No one from the family attended Tuesday’s candlelight vigil.