After more than 40 years in law enforcement, Fannin County Sheriff Mark Johnson officially declared his plan to retire at the end of his term on December 31, 2024. Sheriff Johnson took the opportunity to endorse Trenton Chief of Police William Robertson as his preferred successor.
In a statement released on Monday, Sheriff Johnson reflected on the changes he implemented within the Sheriff's Office during his tenure and expressed pride in his accomplishments. He acknowledged that recent shifts in support and challenges within the office influenced his decision to retire but affirmed his commitment to advocating for his employees until his last day in office.
Sheriff Johnson disclosed that, upon deciding to retire, he approached Chief Robertson and asked if he would consider running for the position. Chief Robertson, who had already been contemplating a run, agreed to step up to the challenge. Sheriff Johnson wholeheartedly endorsed Chief Robertson, urging those who had supported him to rally behind the Chief in the upcoming election.
With a career spanning over four decades, Sheriff Johnson began his journey in law enforcement as a dispatcher in 1980. Over the years, he served in various roles, including jailer, jail administrator, and police officer. In 1992, he settled in Fannin County, eventually becoming its Sheriff after working as Chief of Police in both Savoy and Honey Grove.
Sheriff Johnson shared that his aspiration was always to conclude his career as the Sheriff of Fannin County, expressing gratitude for the confidence and support he received from the community. He cited health considerations and the desire for quality time with his wife as factors influencing his decision to retire.
Describing Chief Robertson as a "good man" and a constitutional law enforcement officer, Sheriff Johnson highlighted Robertson's maturity, experience, life skills, leadership, and understanding of the law as qualities that make him an excellent candidate for Fannin County Sheriff. Sheriff Johnson encouraged voters to support Chief Robertson in the March Republican primary election.
