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10 May 2021 stationed in Robeson County, where Colonel Johnson was my sergeant. I have gotten to experience his skillful leadership firsthand. In all the time that I have known Colonel Johnson, I have seen him take on challenge aer challenge and excel at all ranks. "Colonel Johnson embodies the core values of the Highway Patrol. "He is the right person to lead the Highway Patrol into the next chapter," McVicker says. "I know that Colonel Johnson will succeed, as he has in all his prior roles, because he has a strong moral compass, undeniable integrity and a passion for taking care of others." Lt. Jeremy Brewington is a veteran patrolman. "His leadership style and ability to connect with those under his command is second to none," Brewington, 44, says. "He leaves a trail of success in each position he has held, and his latest promotion to colonel will most likely follow suit. Colonel Johnson has maintained the same mindset as 'Freddy' had 20 years ago, as we patrolled the streets of Cumberland County. Treating everyone equally and with respect has always been a quality that came natural for him. Colonel Johnson will bring innovative ideas and maintain the confidence of troopers working the road." Rudy Hines, the now retired highway patrolman whose presence at the Stoney Point Fire Department in 1985 inspired a young teenager to pursue an NCSHP career, recalls Freddy Johnson Jr.'s phone call to tell him of the governor's appointment. "Freddy is like a second son to me," Hines, 65, says "I met him when he was about 14 or 15 years old. I coached him and mentored him. I violated every rule and policy. I put him in the car with me. at hooked him, and the rest is history. Every time he would call to tell me he was being promoted to first sergeant or major, I would always tell him, 'Freddy, never forget where you came from.' When he called me to tell me about the governor's appointment, I cried and then Freddy and I cried together." 'A huge responsibility' Law enforcement and emergency response is just a way of life out Stoney Point way, where Freddy Johnson Sr. and Clarkie Johnson raised their two sons and a daughter to not only be their best, but to be their best in public service for others. Sean Johnson, too, is a NCSHP sergeant. Tara Johnson Whitman is a sergeant and training officer with the Cumberland County Sheriff 's Office. "My mother was a disciplinarian," Freddy Johnson Sr. says. "I raised my boys and our daughter the way I was raised. I am very, very proud for Freddy. Our entire family is proud. It is an accomplishment." But an accomplishment with a mother's advice for the new commander. "When he called to tell me, I cried," says Clarkie Johnson, who may not herself be in the law enforcement game, but the new NCSHP commander will tell you his mama can cook a mean meatloaf like none other, and her banana pudding and peach cobbler aren't bad, either. "I told him it is going to be a huge responsibility. He will need to surround himself with good people, and he would need a lot of prayers. And then I was crying again. It is a huge responsibility." A responsibility, the new commander says, he shares with those who will serve under his leadership. "First, allow me to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for what all of you do each and every day," Col. Freddy Johnson Jr. would write on April 13 to every NCSHP employee. "Our patrol retirees, all who have come before us, have established the very foundation of what the N.C. State Highway Patrol, circa 1929, is today, and that foundation remains cogent, vigorous and ever-present as a result of the hard work, commitment and dedication of our active patrol members, all who demonstrate these values 24-7 on a daily basis in the name of public highway safety. "I wish for each of you to know that I am more than honored to be appointed by Governor Roy Cooper as your N.C. State Highway Patrol commander. I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as your new commander, and grateful for the trust, confidence and faith that Governor Cooper has placed in my leadership abilities to carry Col. Freddy Johnson Jr. has earned the respect of fellow N.C. State Highway Patrol troopers. (File photo courtesy of N.C. State Highway Patrol) Col. Freddy Johnson Jr. has long been a voice of leadership for the N.C. State Highway Patrol. (File photo courtesy of N.C. State Highway Patrol)

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