When Jimmy Johnson walked into the Amarillo Police Department in 1988, it was as a jailer with no rank or fanfare, only a commitment to serve. Thirty-eight years later, he is retiring after a career that carried him through every level of the department, including Assistant Chief and Interim Chief of Police. His final day is April 30.
Johnson said early on, “I didn’t come here chasing position or rank, I just wanted to do the job well. If you take care of people and stay focused on the mission, everything else has a way of working out.”
He attended the police academy in 1989 and began a steady rise through the ranks: corporal in 1995, sergeant in 2007, lieutenant in 2011, captain in 2016, and assistant chief in 2020. In February 2025, he was appointed Interim Chief, overseeing 400 sworn officers and professional staff and a $60 million budget.
Before reaching command roles, Johnson built his foundation in the field. He spent years on patrol across both evening and day shifts, learning Amarillo one call at a time. He later served in specialized units including Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving, Burglary/Theft investigations, Patrol supervision, and Criminal Investigations leadership roles.
As captain, he led both the Training and Personnel Division and the Patrol Division, shaping how officers entered and advanced within the profession. He reflected, “Training the next generation and watching them succeed, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of this job. Policing is a team effort, and every class you train is part of the department’s future.”
Johnson also served in specialized capacities with the SWAT team, Dive Team, CSI support, Peer Support, Honor Guard, and as a firearms and defensive tactics instructor. He became a national instructor with the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and holds Master Peace Officer certification along with TCOLE instructor credentials.
His career included multiple commendations, two Life Saving Awards, an Operations Citation, and a Meritorious Achievement Award from 3M Corporation.
Beyond Amarillo, he briefly served as Interim Chief of Police for Dalhart Police Department in 2022, guiding that department through transition. He is an alumnus of Amarillo College and Wayland Baptist University, earned a Certified Public Manager designation from Texas Tech University, and graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 282, where he was selected class president among global law enforcement leaders.
Johnson has emphasized constitutional policing, officer development, and community partnerships throughout his career. Outside work, he is a husband, father of two, grandfather of three, and active member of Hillside Christian Church. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow and former president of the Amarillo South Rotary Club, and has served on the Potter/Randall 911 Managing Board.
Looking back, Johnson said, “This job has always been about the officers, the professional staff, and the community we serve. No one does this alone.”
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