The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the promotions of several deputies on Thursday afternoon including the promotion of Major Bob Johnson to Chief Deputy. Naming Johnson as Chief Deputy is considered a milestone for the local law enforcement agency, according to a SRSO press release. Since being sworn in as sheriff, Wendell Hall did not name a Chief Deputy until this week.
Johnson’s responsibilities will be overseeing all aspects of the sheriff’s office including the department’s detention facility. Johnson would also assume all responsibilities in the sheriff’s absence. The responsibility of overseeing the entire agency might become of use to Johnson especially since he is running for Hall’s position in this year’s upcoming election.
During the ceremony, Hall gave his endorsement to Johnson.
“I think it is a good choice for the county but I think it is a great choice for all of us,” Hall said.
Since being employed with the sheriff’s office in 1993, Johnson has held multiple titles with the department including Major Crimes Detective, Narcotics Supervisor, Navarre District Commander, Internal Affairs, among many others.
Joining Johnson in receiving a promotion are the following deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office:
- Major Jim Spencer – Department Major
- Captain Patrick Vega – Captain over Administration
- Lieutenant John Welch – District 1 Gulf Breeze Lieutenant
- Sergeant. Adam Teichner – Patrol Sergeant
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Sheriff's Office: Johnson named Chief Deputy among other promotions