Lifetime of Service

Van Johnston likes to meet people. Whether he’s assisting customers at his grocery store or saving homes as a volunteer firefighter, he’s a familiar and trusted figure in his hometown of Malvern.

When his community needed first responders, Johnston stepped up. Starting as a firefighter, he quickly advanced to assistant chief and eventually served as the volunteer fire chief for 35 years. His commitment was particularly evident during daytime calls, a period when volunteers were hard to come by.

“I enjoyed it,” Johnston says, “going out and helping folks, helping save their property as best we could — I was just glad to help.”

And when his small town needed leadership, he stepped up then, too. He served as a councilman and later as mayor.

“I just wanted to try and help benefit the community, and there weren’t many people who wanted to take that role at the time,” Johnston says. “So I volunteered, and I kept the town running for a while.”

He also played a crucial role in setting up Geneva County’s first E-911 system, helping map Malvern and its surrounding area to ensure a reliable dispatch service. He served on its inaugural board.

Throughout these roles, Johnston’s simple desire to help and serve remained. His commitment to community service is matched by his passion for his grocery store, Johnston Grocery & Market, a community staple known for its fresh-cut meats and local goods. The store is a place where Johnston can indulge in his love of meeting people. “It’s just what I grew up in,” he says about the store’s longstanding presence in his life.

His family is deeply involved with his work. His son now serves as the fire chief, and his daughter helps run the store. Together, they continue to positively impact their community.

This impact led to his nomination for the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass award, a collaboration between the Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation and WTVY.

“Mr. Johnston is a man of good character who likes to serve the people in his community,” says Stevie Sauls, WEC’s vice president of member services and communication. “He’s an individual willing to help others in whatever way he can, without seeking recognition. That’s what a silent hero is.”

When the news came that he was the recipient of the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass award, Johnston was humbled. “I didn’t expect to be nominated,” he says. “It’s been an honor. I appreciate the nomination and everyone who’s involved with this.”

For Van Johnston, his story is simply one of love for his community, which he’s spent a lifetime serving.