Johnson retires after 35 years with Baxter County Sheriff’s Office

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Photo: Lt. Terry Johnson

A longtime deputy in the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office has handed in his badge. Lt. Terry Johnson is retiring after 35 years on the force.

Johnson began working for Sheriff Joe Edmonds at the age of 20 when he was asked if he would like to be an auxiliary deputy, known today as a reserve. He wasn’t allowed to carry a gun since the minimum age was 21, but he has held several positions since then.

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Johnson was 15 years old when he and his family relocated to Mountain Home. Johnson’s interest in law enforcement began after his father had served on the police force at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Since he started working in the sheriff’s office, Johnson says the most noticeable change is in the technology.

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Johnson says as a member of the criminal investigation division, one case that sticks out in his mind was the murders of Donald and LaDonna Rice over four years ago at their residence in Midway.

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Johnson adds as rewarding as his job was in the sheriff’s office, the toughest part was notifying a family member of the death of a loved one.

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A reception for Johnson was held on Friday with nearly 300 to 400 people in attendance.

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