By MAGGIE MCMURRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
Hundreds of Moapa Valley citizens turned out Wednesday night to give a sendoff to Metropolitan Police Officer Allen Johnson who is retiring from the force after 26 years of service. A reception was held in his honor that evening at the Old Logandale School which invited all community members to wish Johnson well as he moves to the next phase of his life. Johnson has been a resident officer in Moapa Valley since 2006.
The open house began with a short ceremony where Johnson was presented with his retirement credentials and some gifts. Fellow resident officer Troy Benson began by revealing a shadow box he and other colleagues had made for Johnson. It contained Johnson’s service pins, awards, uniform, pictures, and other memorabilia.
“AJ is truly the mayor of our community,” Benson said. “When I’m out patrolling, I have people see me and drive up to talk and then when I roll down the window they look disappointed and say, ‘Oh, you’re not AJ!’.”
Johnson’s retirement credentials were presented by Jim Owens, former deputy chief of the department and recently retired himself. Owens presented Johnson with a plaque commemorating his years of service, as well as a badge and ID wallet listing his years of service and designating him as a former police officer.
Owens also presented Johnson with a card from the sheriff. “Here’s your card, but I’m letting you know it doesn’t have any money in it,” he said.
He then pulled out a $1 bill and handed it to Johnson so he wouldn’t feel bad.
“The plaque should really go to his family because they put up with him missing holidays, birthdays, sporting events, and many other important things so he could serve his community,”
Johnson’s wife, Christine, expressed how proud she was of her husband. With the help of her son they presented him with the present of a new handgun.
“I’m not even sure what kind of gun this is,” she said. “But it was pretty. It’s engraved with his P# and his badge. I’m so grateful that we had a happy ending when so many do not. I’m grateful for the great people we’ve met and the great friendships we’ve made.”
Johnson closed the presentation by saying, “This is such a bittersweet occasion. I’m humbled and I’m honored to see all my friends. I truly consider you my family.”
Johnson went on to say that he moved here 26 years ago without knowing anyone and having all the dreams of a young cop to change the world. He said he felt that he had 26 good years and had enjoyed coaching local youth, teaching, and scouting.
“I love your kids; I love the youth of this valley,” he said. “I also want to thank my wife. She’s the most important thing in my life and she made sure this was the shindig of my life to send me off.”
