Detective J.C. Johnson, left, receives a plaque from ERPD Chief J.R. Reed during a retirement party for Johnson, Friday afternoon at City Hall.
Detective J.C. Johnson called it a career, Friday afternoon, after almost 40 years of service to the East Ridge Police Department.
Well, almost 40 years.
“I’ve got nine more working days so please, everyone behave,” Johnson told those gathered in the courtroom at City Hall to pay him homage during a retirement party.
During a speech to current and former ERPD officers, officials from the Hamilton County District Attorney’s office, area law enforcement officials and city employees, Johnson said there was no better place to work than East Ridge. He said he was proud that his son Will is following in his footsteps as a member of the East Ridge Police Department. He thanked his wife, Denise, for being a “confidant” and for her sacrifice, as he spent many long hours in the middle of the night investigating crime scenes. His daughter Hanna made the long trek up from Tampa, Florida for the occasion.
However, her trip pales in comparison to the one Larry Nelson made.
Johnson said that Nelson was “one of the first officers I worked with here, and he came all the way from Africa where he is involved in missionary work.”
“It’s so exciting to see him here,” Johnson said. “I’ve known him since I worked as a dispatcher from 1978 to 1981.”
Johnson’s tenure with the East Ridge Police Department was put in perspective by Lt. Josh Creel. Creel said that he had just returned from ERPD Detective Greg Beck’s graduation from the National Forensics Academy in Knoxville. Beck’s class was the 42nd held at the world-renowned and highly respected facility at the University of Tennessee. Johnson was in class number two, Creel said.
“J (Johnson’s Christian name is Julius but he is known throughout the department as J) was in this thing (the forensics academy) at its foundation,” Creel said. “He was a brick in that foundation.”
Creel said Johnson has provided a “consistent level of service” to the community for decades. He’s been the same since day one. He’s always in control.”
After Johnson’s son Will gave the blessing, which including calling his father “my hero,” Johnson addressed everyone in the room, sometimes becoming emotional.
He singled out Creel, former officer Jody Mays, retired Capt. Tim Mullinax and Chief J.R. Reed for praise and mild derision.
“We’ve got the finest police department and the finest men and women who make it up,” Johnson said.
Detective J.C. Johnson and retired ERPD Officer Gwen Cribbs look over a simulated crime scene at City Hall during Johnson’s retirement party, Friday afternoon.
