I was born in Carson, ND, where my parents and grandparents owned and operated a family farm. We later moved to Bismarck, where my dad took a job as a real estate and insurance broker. My wife, Marti, originally from Minnesota, and I have been married for seventeen years.
In 1991, we moved to Hazen, where my parents, Dale and Betty Johnson, now live. We have three children. Marti is an RN at Sakakawea Medical Center. Nicole is 16 and enjoys volleyball and playing the piano. Jared, 14, plays hockey and enjoys archery. Jessica, 10, is involved in dance and basketball. As a family, we enjoy the outdoors, particularly hunting and camping.
In 1991, upon moving to Hazen, I began working at Lake Sakakawea State Park as a seasonal ranger, later becoming Ranger Supervisor. My duties included enforcement of State Laws and Park rules, as well as, supervision of staff and maintenance.
In 1995, the Mayor of Pick City asked me to provide policing to that community during my time away from the Park. The community had been without policing for ten years. Later that same year, I was approached by the city of Zap to provide policing to their community as well. The two cities and I made the arrangements and I went to work for them full time.
In 1997, the city of Golden Valley also wanted policing. Pick City and Zap agreed to share services and equipment with the residents of Golden Valley.
In 2002, Stanton requested policing services. The four communities teamed together to make the unique situation work.
I made the decision to run for Sheriff of Mercer County after being asked to do so by several citizens, mayors, council members, and other law enforcement officers. I believe the Sheriff's Department must be the leader in establishing a community partnership.
As Sheriff, I hope to create an atmosphere in which citizens and law enforcement work together.
I have logged over 750 hours of law enforcement training in addition to my years as an active duty officer. This training involves several areas of law enforcement, including drug investigation, child sexual assault and neglect, homeland security, missing persons and child abduction investigation, homicide and hate crimes, theft investigation, and motor vehicle accident investigation. I believe it is important to keep current with the many new issues facing law enforcement today. Training is critical, as it allows us to learn from the mistakes and accomplishments of others and prepares us for the possible situations that can occur in law enforcement.
