VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Police Department will lose a valued member the first of the year when Commander Johnnie Fason retires.

Fason reached the 30 year mark in September of this year and stated that he has thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.

“It was wonderful serving the public, and I hope that I touched people’s lives in a positive way,” Fason said. “It has been a merry-go-round ride, but there is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have made a difference.”

During his time with the VPD, Fason made a large impact, not only on the department, but on the community.

Guests from the community and close friends gathered Thursday, at the City Hall Annex to honor Fason and to celebrate his retirement.

“We are here to honor 30 years of dedication and friendship,” Police Chief Frank Simons stated. “We are indeed a better place because John Fason was here.”

City Manager Larry Hanson agreed. “When you think of John Fason, you think of dedication, loyalty and love of the job. He was a facilitator, a mediator, a good husband and a true ambassador of the department and the city. There is not another person like John Fason; everyone knows him and everyone loves him.”

Mayor John Fretti added, “Commander Fason has been the pinnacle of those qualities needed of a public safety official.”

Fason’s dedication to service was summed up in a previous Valdosta Daily Times article, which stated, “Commander Johnnie Fason of the Valdosta Police Department demands the respect of all Valdostans, regardless of race or social status. His influence within this community is sizable and he stands as a rock solid role model for youngsters who need to realize success is the reward of hard work.”

Fason was presented with a display, which included his original badge, a VPD patch, a challenge coin, a VIP coin and two clover leaves to signify his retiring rank as a way to say thanks for the years of dedicated service he gave to the department.

“When we had tough times and tough things going on in the community, if I knew John was there I knew it would be OK, because he just knows what’s right,” Simons said.

Capt. Brian Childress presented Fason with a gold ring, which was purchased with funds collected from officers, commemorating his achievement.

A special gift was also presented to Fason’s wife, Yvonne. The note attached to the package read, “Behind every good man is a good woman and you certainly fit that description. We appreciate you sharing Commander Fason with us and we now return him to you.”

A representative of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), which Fason is a member of, also attended the event and honored Fason with a plaque for his dedication in promoting cultural diversity within the department.

Even before he joined VPD, Fason was no stranger to service. As a retired member of the armed forces, Fason joined the department in 1974, serving two years as a volunteer with the Auxiliary Police group. Following his service with that group, Fason was invited to continue serving as a member of the VPD.

Fason has been through many changes and challenges in the past 30 years with the city and has worked in nearly every capacity within the department, but he stated that the best part of the experience was sharing it with his lovely wife who stood by him through everything.