Former Interim APD Chief Jimmy Johnson Announces Retirement

It's been a bit of a wild ride the last year or so with the Amarillo Police Department. We've seen people make some controversial decisions, several people retire or resign for various reasons, and a new police chief was announced.

Just when you thought things were starting to look a bit better and a little less chaotic, another bomb drops on the department. Now, I don't want to say this is one of those "you saw it coming" moments, but you kind of could if you were paying attention.

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Former Interim APD Chief Jimmy Johnson Retiring

Johnson was one of the final candidates after serving as the interim chief for APD. Ultimately, he didn't end up getting the gig after they went with current Chief Thomas Hover. Johnson pledged his support of Hover when he was confirmed as the new chief.

Now, just four months after that, Johnson has decided to call it a career and is retiring from the Amarillo Police Department. In a news release, Johnson said, “I didn’t come here chasing position or rank, I just wanted to do the job well,” and that he did. Johnson is now the second assistant chief to retire from APD in just eight months.

Johnson's History In Amarillo

Just because he is retiring doesn't mean he's done caring about the community. In the same release, Johnson said, “Retirement just means a change in role, not a change in heart, and I’m not finished serving. I will always care deeply about this department and this community. That never really retires.”

Johnson started with APD back in 1989, and aside from a stint as the interim Chief of Police in Dalhart, he worked his way through the ranks of APD. Johnson was promoted five times as he served with the department. He leaves as a decorated officer that the city greatly appreciates. Thank you for your service to the Amarillo community, Jimmy! You will be missed.