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Johnson announces 2018 candidacy for sheriff

After 24 years in law enforcement, Harrisburg Chief of Police James "Whipper" Johnson is looking towards the future. Specifically, the office of Saline County Sheriff in the 2018 election.

"It's been a long-term goal, as far as being an administrator, being able to run the department like it needs to be run, without as many hurdles, limitations, and agendas of individuals," Johnson said.

Johnson has been with the Harrisburg Police Department in a variety of roles since 2001, worked with the Eldorado Police Department from 1998 to 2001, and was with the Saline County Sheriff's Office from 1992 to 1998. Whipper has worked as a patrolman, dispatcher, drug enforcement, investigations, patrol sergeant, ILEAS SWAT Team over his long career. He was appointed to the position of Chief of Police in May of 2015.

Now, he has announced his plan to run for the office of sheriff. "When you're the sheriff, you're the highest constitutional officer in the county. You answer to the public…and in the public's best interest," Johnson said.

An ideal first week as sheriff includes "streamlining" to trim down the office budget. "With the coal mining industry in a downwards slant, and other tax monies that come in on the decline, it's not going to get any better in the near future," Johnson said. "Whoever is elected sheriff is going to have to take a hard look and ask, 'Can we survive on what budget we have, and if not, where can we cut?'," Johnson said.

While the budget is a concern, Johnson says that that is not the main focus of being the sheriff. The primary job of the sheriff, Johnson said, is to operate and maintain the jail. "Law enforcement is the most visible, but by statute, the primary function (of a sheriff) is to operate the jail," Johnson said.

Johnson considers himself to be "a man without a country," when it comes to the political side of the race. With the primary two years away, he considers it "way too early" to declare a political affiliation for his race. "I have supported candidates from both parties…there's no doubt that I could garner support from both sides of the aisle, but justice doesn't have a party," Johnson said.

"On a local level, when you talk about law enforcement, party doesn't really play a part in it."

No matter the outcome of the election, Johnson "is likely to retire, win, lose or draw" from working for Harrisburg in May of 2018. Though he may not retire permanently, and may "move on to something else," he will most likely retire in 2018 from working in Harrisburg to take up another pursuit.

For now though, James "Whipper" Johnson serves as the chief of police for the city of Harrisburg.