After nearly a quarter-century of patrolling the streets and serving the citizens of Janesville, Police Chief Steve Johnson has officially hung up his badge. His final day, marked by a bittersweet luncheon at City Hall on April 2nd, concludes a storied career that saw him rise from a new recruit in 2002 to the department’s top leadership position.
Chief Johnson’s journey with the Janesville Police Department (JPD) began in March 2002. Over the next 24 years, he became a fixture of the community and a versatile asset to regional law enforcement. His resume reflects a deep commitment to specialized tactics and inter-agency cooperation, having served as a member of the SWAT team and the South Central Drug Investigation Unit, which spanned five counties. Before his tenure at JPD, his experience included work with the Scott County reserves and part-time roles in Le Sueur, Le Center, and Cleveland. He eventually succeeded former Chief Dave Ahlman, taking the mantle of Chief in December 2023.
Though he began his life in South Minneapolis, Johnson found his calling in Janesville. Beyond tactical operations, Johnson was a familiar face to the youth of the district, serving as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton for five years. He also shared his expertise as an instructor across multiple law enforcement disciplines and served as a deliberate action commander.
The decision to resign comes as Johnson approaches his 53rd birthday. While he had originally envisioned a path to retirement at age 55, he revealed the physical demands of the position necessitated an earlier exit from the force. It was a choice made with careful consideration, one that Johnson says has been “ongoing for some time.”
In a small-town department, the role of Chief is a “working” position, requiring the leader to balance heavy administrative duties with active patrol shifts. Johnson acknowledged that the physical toll of the beat had become a barrier he could no longer overlook, so in his eyes, stepping down was a matter of professional standards. “There is a lot of disbelief that it’s happening,” Johnson admitted, reflecting on the shock expressed by many in the community. “People have told me to stick it out for two more years… but I want this department to continue doing the job the right way. It’s just my time.”
On his final day, the community gathered to honor his legacy. A luncheon held at City Hall brought together family, friends, and colleagues to reminisce about years of dedicated service. Among those who came to pay their respects were Mankato Police Commander Adam Gray—who worked with Johnson at JPD in the early 2000s—Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas, former Janesville Chief Dave Ahlman, and Officer Jewison.
“It has been a great city to work for,” Johnson said. “The job has evolved over my 24 years here. It has had its ups and downs, but it’s still difficult to walk away when you’ve done it so long. I’m going to miss it every day. It is certainly a calling to serve.”
While he is stepping away from the force, Johnson doesn’t plan on leaving the area immediately. He intends to stay in Janesville for a few more years before eventually moving to retirement property further down the road. His post-resignation plans include traveling and indulging his passion for automotive work and engines. “I might pursue some maintenance on any machines I have,” he shared while wearing a grin.
As the city begins the search for a permanent successor, Sgt. Vanderwilt will step in as the interim Chief. The City of Janesville expressed tremendous gratitude for Johnson’s long tenure, noting that while his time as Chief was brief, his 24-year impact on the community will be remembered for years to come.
