EAST PEORIA, Ill. – A man you might consider to be a legend in local law enforcement has officially called it a career.
Chief Mike Johnson signed off for the final time Monday as Chief of the Fon Du Lac Park District Police Department.
“Always remember, whether you know it or not, you do make a difference in keeping our community safe,” Johnson said, according to 25 News, ahead of a final 10-42 (end of duty). “Thank you for always being there. I could never have done this without you.”
Johnson served nearly three decades in the department, and was in the military before that. One of the people who has served alongside him, Chance Barlow, has taken over a chief. The Fon Du Lac Police Department headquarters is being renamed after Johnson.
Tazewell County dispatch honored Johnson Tuesday, as did friends and family, who gathered around his squad car as he wrapped up his service. But, also, another special call.
“You have truly made a difference. It’s an honor to claim you as my father.”
Those were the words of Johnson’s son Jonathan, a sergeant in the Morton police Department.
Johnson says probably his biggest accomplishment was expanding the department, especially as it relates to the creation of a marine unit that traverses the Illinois River.
Johnson says he wants to now spend more time with family and friends, and travel the Intercoastal Waterway.
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