In the Spotlight: Thomas Johnstone

A retired captain with the East Lansing, Michigan, police department, Thomas Johnstone has been an instructor at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness since 2000.

During his 27 years with the East Lansing PD, Johnstone served in numerous roles, including as a member of its Special Response Team and Commander of Patrol Operations.

He was also an instructor in firearms, defensive tactics and civil disorder-mobile field force operations.

Additionally, Johnstone was the incident commander during several civil disturbances at Michigan State University. He later was named the commanding officer of a task force assigned to investigate those events.

“I enjoyed a tremendous career and took advantage of any opportunity to learn new skills to help me and my team succeed,” said Johnstone.

“If I can help responders learn from my experiences, I have great satisfaction in knowing I have given back to true professionals,” he said.