Amarillo Police Assistant Chief Jimmy Johnson Retires After 38 Years

Johnson served in every rank and led specialized units during his long career with the department.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or other law enforcement equipment, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The retirement of a long-serving police leader marks a transition for the Amarillo Police Department.Amarillo Today

The City of Amarillo announced that Assistant Chief of Police Jimmy Johnson will retire at the end of April after a 38-year career with the Amarillo Police Department. Johnson began his career in 1988 and has served in every rank, including as Interim Chief of Police in 2025. He is known for his steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and commitment to both officers and the community.

Why it matters

Johnson's retirement marks the end of an era for the Amarillo Police Department, as he has been a fixture in the department for nearly four decades. His departure will leave a significant leadership void that the department will need to fill as it continues to serve the Amarillo community.

The details

During his 38-year career, Johnson worked in various roles, including eight years on evening patrol, three years on day shift patrol, and leadership positions such as Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Shift Commander, and Unit Leader in the Criminal Investigations Division. He also contributed to several of the department's specialized units, such as the Dive Team, SWAT, CSI, Peer Support, and Honor Guard. Johnson was a program head for the Amarillo PD's patrol rifle and TASER programs and became a national instructor for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors.

  • Johnson began his career with the Amarillo PD in 1988.
  • He served as Interim Chief of Police in 2025 after the departure of former Chief of Police Martin Birkenfeld.
  • Johnson's last day of service with APD will be April 30, 2026.

The players

Jimmy Johnson

Assistant Chief of Police for the Amarillo Police Department who is retiring after a 38-year career.

Martin Birkenfeld

Former Chief of Police for the Amarillo Police Department who departed in February 2025.

Thomas Hover

Current Chief of Police for the Amarillo Police Department, confirmed in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't come here chasing position or rank, I just wanted to do the job well. If you take care of people and stay focused on the mission, everything else has a way of working out.”

— Jimmy Johnson, Assistant Chief of Police

“Training the next generation and watching them succeed, that's one of the most rewarding parts of this job. Policing is a team effort, and every class you train is part of the department's future.”

— Jimmy Johnson, Assistant Chief of Police

“This job has always been about the officers, the professional staff, and the community we serve. No one does this alone. If we made things a little better and helped the next group be even more prepared, that's a career to be proud of.”

— Jimmy Johnson, Assistant Chief of Police

“Retirement just means a change in role, not a change in heart and I'm not finished serving. I will always care deeply about this department and this community. That never really retires.”

— Jimmy Johnson, Assistant Chief of Police

What’s next

The Amarillo Police Department will need to appoint a new Assistant Chief of Police to fill the leadership void left by Johnson's retirement.

The takeaway

Jimmy Johnson's retirement marks the end of an era for the Amarillo Police Department, as he has been a dedicated and respected leader within the department for nearly four decades. His commitment to training the next generation of officers and his focus on serving the community will be missed, but his legacy will continue to shape the department's future.