This past Saturday afternoon 240 persons who have been a part of Randall Johnson’s life at one time or another were on hand to send him into retirement.

Another 250 were on hand for a second tribute at 3 p.m. to express their appreciation for the man who served as Fayette County sheriff for more than three decades.

A private luncheon was held at the former Fayette Kiwanis Fair Grounds with a color guard to open and close the noon to 2 p.m. event, along with remarks from dignitaries who had praises for the sheriff who has kept the county they either live in or represent out of the headlines for all of 32 years.

Those comments mirrored others at the 3 p.m. tribute event. In all, the long list of law enforcement, local, state and national elected officials expressing the admiration and respect for Johnson was nothing short of impressive.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, who had moved to the county in 1976, first ran for a state office in 1988 and said he was glad to have Johnson’s approval. Westmoreland has just won his third term in Washington, D.C. He called Johnson a “great American” and is putting his remarks in the Congressional Record.

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, busy in other parts of the state, sent along his wife, Julianne Chambliss, to speak for him. She said that as a former teacher she realized the importance of staying at a project and doing the best job you can. She added that Johnson was the most favorite sheriff in Georgia, until gently reminded that there were a number of other county sheriffs in the audience. She gently demurred.

State Sen. Ronnie Chance, Fayette County High School graduate, class of 1986, is now a state senator. He said that when he first began to work in Georgia politics 20 years go, it was with Lynn Westmoreland.

“It is an honor to be here and to live in a county with such good role models. They have been my mentors and I feel privileged to be a part of Sheriff Randall Johnson’s retirement event,” Chance said. “Sheriff Johnson has always been someone strong, someone you can lean on. He has been a mentor to me, a friend I could lean on. I’m thankful for everything he has done for this community.”

Another of a long line of those paying homage to the well-known sheriff, state Rep. Matt Ramsey related a story of attending North Fayette Elementary School with Johnson’s youngest daughter, Beth. He said he was always proud that his father worked as a UPS manager, but was most impressed that Beth’s father carried a gun and a badge.

“All of us here feel connected to Sheriff Johnson. With all the changes in Fayette County in the first 32 years, you’ve been the constant during that time. Thank you for all you’ve done,” Ramsey said to Johnson, who was seated at a table with his family in the Kiwanis fairgrounds building for the 3 p.m. tribute.

County School Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis thanked Johnson for his attention to the county’s school children. The sheriff was instrumental in placing the first school resource officer at Sandy Creek High School, and with his help there is now one in each school. He presented Johnson with a plaque on behalf of the county Board of Education and all the school children.

Terry Norris, executive vice president of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association, referred to Johnson as the “go to guy” and peacekeeper.

Continuing the list of speakers, Sheriff-elect Wayne Hannah said that he has worked with the county sheriff’s department for 34 years and was proud that 32 of those years were with Randall.

“He taught me personally. I know I have big shoes to fill,” he added just before presenting Johnson with his retirement badge.

Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas, too, added his words of thanks and admiration to the long list of speakers.

Fayette Sheriff’s Office Belinda McCastle also offered her comments, saying that during her 17 years with the office she was a living witness that Johnson is a man with a heart. Looking at Johnson from the podium, McCastle said, “Thank you for taking a risk on me.”

Fayette County Commission Chairman Jack Smith pronounced Nov. 15, 2008, as “Sheriff Randall Johnson Appreciation Day” and County Commissioner Eric Maxwell announced that the county law enforcement compound has been renamed “The Randall Johnson Law Enforcement Center,” with the proper lettering to go up soon.

“Sheriff Johnson earned the trust of every officer and the respect of every citizen. He has an impeccable reputation,” Smith said of Fayette’s longest serving sheriff. “Many people move to Fayette for education. Many move to Fayette for the low crime rate. This is due to the efforts of this man.”

Toward the end of the 3 p.m. tribute, Johnson took the podium to address friends and well-wishers.

“It’s been a great honor to serve you. It’s been a fast 32 years as sheriff and 13 years before this working moonshine. I would have never served the time I did without good help. It’s been a great honor to work with people like Wayne. ‘He’s the man,’” Johnson said, taking the opportunity to commend Wayne Hannah and adding that he will carry the torch as sheriff. “From the bottom of my heart, this (event) is a humble time for me. I feel like a country boy that’s come to town.”

Not the least of those speaking were Melissa Johnson and Beth Anderson, daughters of Randall and Kay Johnson. They shared their thoughts about the man so many have known as sheriff, the man they also knew as father.

“It’s been a great 32 years,” Melissa said to the audience, summing up all the words of praise that had accentuated the two events. “It’s always been about the people.”