The Valdosta Police Department loses a tireless member of its force this week. Not just a valued leader and law officer, but a positive liaison between the police department and the community.

That man is Commander Johnnie Fason.

This week, he retires.

For many Valdostans, Johnnie Fason has been the face of the Valdosta Police Department for many years.

For the past decade-plus, he has served as commander of the VPD’s patrol services, making him one of only three commanders who answer directly to Police Chief Frank Simons. As patrol-services commander, Fason supervised the city’s uniformed police officers.

Fason has performed this duty admirably, but his leadership of the patrol services marks only part of his career with the police department.

He joined the Valdosta Police Department following a career in the military. Fason was one of the first African-American police officers on the Valdosta force. He rose to the rank of sergeant.

In the mid-1990s, when the VPD was hit by numerous controversies, Fason’s professionalism and integrity shined as a beacon of hope within the department. When these controversies led to the dismissal of the majority of the police department’s highest ranking officers, Fason was promoted to interim assistant police chief to guide the VPD through this uncertain period of transition.

In 1995, when the city hired Frank Simons as police chief, Fason was named commander of patrol-services.

Fason deserves the highest accolades for his traditional police service, but his roles as leader and lawman are only two aspects of his work within the police department.

Commander Johnnie Fason made the VPD approachable.

No matter black or white, rich or poor, young or old, Johnnie Fason was there to listen or offer advice. He treated all people with his equal portions of respect, candor, and good humor.

There have been times, too, when it seemed that Johnnie Fason was everywhere in Valdosta.

You could see him helping theatre patrons cross Ashley Street for Theatre Guild Valdosta shows. You could find him sharing stories and laughter at local festivals. You could see him on the side of the road, standing in the rain, directing traffic and young officers, at an accident scene.

There is an old saying that there’s never a cop around when you need one. Well, Johnnie Fason has repeatedly proven that saying wrong. For the past few decades, the community has needed Johnnie Fason and he’s always been there, ready to help whenever and whoever needed him.

With his retirement, Fason will get some much-deserved time for himself and his family. But the community will always need people like Johnnie Fason. People of integrity, commitment, professionalism, community spirit, honesty, and good cheer.

Though he will no longer wear the badge, Johnnie Fason will remain one of Valdosta’s finest. Not just as a law officer but as one of its finest citizens.