Johnson resigns as Fredericktown police chief

The Village of Fredericktown is on the search for a new police chief after former Chief Kyle Johnson resigned effective Nov. 5.

Johnson released a statement through Facebook on Oct. 22 where he informed the public of his impending resignation. He called it an “honor and a privilege” to serve Fredericktown’s community for the past decade. He said Fredericktown is a special place that the community should be proud of, saying that what makes it so great is its residents.

“I have been fortunate enough to meet many of you throughout the years, and some of those meetings have blossomed into friendships that I will take with me long after my last day of serving as your police chief,” Johnson wrote.

Johnson started as a patrol officer with the Fredericktown Police Department in 2011, becoming chief in 2019. He said he leaves the department proud of his accomplishments and those of his fellow officers, whom he called “some of the finest men and women that a police chief could ask for.

“It is due to their integrity, hard work and dedication to their community that this department has been successful and continues to set an example of excellence in law enforcement,” Johnson said.

The Fredericktown Police Department released a statement saying that it was “with deep regret” that the mayor and city council accepted Johnson’s resignation. It stated that he was instrumental in several new initiatives including the National Night Out and Neighborhood Watch Program. The department thanked Johnson for his work and wished him luck.

“Kyle will be truly missed by the entire staff, mayor and council, and the Fredericktown community,” the statement said.

Fredericktown Village Administrator Bruce Snell said that this was not a retirement but rather that Johnson accepted another job elsewhere in law enforcement. This was confirmed by Johnson, who said he still plans to be an active part of the community.

“With that, instead of saying goodbye, I simply say, 'See you later,'” Johnson said.

Fredericktown is accepting applications for the full-time, salaried position, with a pay range of $55,000 to $65,000. A minimum of three years of supervision experience in law enforcement is required and five years is preferred. For more information, call the Fredericktown Police Department at 740-694-9010 or email Suzy Graves at fiscalofficer@fredericktownohio.net.