Unified police officer Sgt. Clint Johnson’s career was honored at a city council meeting on March 23, where Police Chief Rod Norton and Mayor Bill Applegarth presented him with a plaque and basket. He received a standing ovation from the assembled audience. 

Police work has been a central part of Johnson’s life and is in his blood: both his father and grandfather were Salt Lake City police officers, his older brother is a retired captain for the sheriff’s office and his younger brother is serving as an officer for Las Vegas.

Johnson kept with the family tradition and join the UFP in 1995, where he began his career in the city of Riverton. 

“Sergeant Johnson came to me as a new sergeant in the Riverton precinct and immediately embraced our concept of community,” Norton said. 

It was clear that Johnson was cut out to be in uniform. 

Johnson gained experience in a myriad of positions quickly, often going to different precincts. During his time with the UFP, he worked in patrol, investigation, tactical SWAT operations, and motor officiating. 

It wasn’t long until Johnson began climbing in rank. “He was subsequently given a promotion to the position of executive sergeant, which is the number two in command out here in the precinct.” 

Taking his uniform off for the last time, after 20 years, Johnson has decided to move on. 

He will be working with an oil field construction company, but says he will never forget his time at the Riverton precinct. 

He said that he had done everything he wanted to in law enforcement, but the thing he would miss the most—other than getting opportunities to change or save a life—the friends he made while serving.

“The thing I’ll miss the most are the guys and ladies that I worked with, my fellow police officers,” he said. 

Norton feels the same way. “We had a wonderful working relationship and friendship that I will appreciate for many years to come.”