Sky-Hi News, November 18, 1993 — Rod Johnson, a lieutenant in the Grand County Sheriff’s Department, was appointed and sworn in as the new Grand County Sheriff on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Grand County commissioners appointed Johnson to serve the unexpired term of Sheriff Jim Bartels, whose resignation took effect on Monday, Nov. 15.

In a brief ceremony at the Grand County Courthouse, Judge Wayne Williams swore Johnson in. His appointment was for the remainder of Bartel’s elected term of office, which expired on Dec. 31, 1994.

“Becoming sheriff is a big, important event in my life,” said Johnson. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of. Id like to thank the members of the public who gave me their support and I hope to live up to their expectations.”

Johnson said his goals for office were to improve relations between the sheriff’s department and the public.

“I hope to add a little more personable approach to law enforcement in the county,” Johnson said. “I think that is especially important in small communities like we have here.”

In making their selection of Johnson, the commissioners said they felt he was their best choice.

“All three applicants we interviewed had good qualifications, but my decision was based on what I believed to be the best for the county and the Sheriff’s Department,” said Chairman Dick Thompson. Commissioner Paul Ohri agreed that Johnson “fit the needs of the department best at this time.”

Commissioner Bob Anderson added that Johnson’s experience and strong public relations ability would help the department.

Johnson will round out his fifth full term in office on Jan. 13, 2015.