- February 22, 2025
After more than four decades of service, including the last 15 years as sheriff, Ben Johnson will bring his law enforcement career with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office to a close at the end of the year.
In front of a gathering of his family, friends and staff, Sheriff Johnson made the official announcement during an emotional news conference at the site of the agency’s training center in Daytona Beach. According to a press release from VSCO, he broke the news to employees at a staff meeting minutes before the news conference and also sent an e-mail message to the entire department announcing his decision.
“I continue to be both grateful and humbled by the privilege bestowed upon me by the residents of this great county,” Sheriff Johnson told the assembled news media. “It has been a great run and a job that I have absolutely loved. But there comes a time when all things must end. And I’ve decided that time for me is drawing near. And so, with a great deal of thought and reflection, and in consultation with my family, I announce today that I will not be seeking another term as sheriff.”
A Deland native, the 65-year-old launched his career with the VCSO as a deputy sheriff in 1971. For a little over 26 years, his career spanned various positions of rank, responsibility and leadership, including district commander, shift commander and watch commander as well as serving as the head of the agency’s SWAT entry team.
Johnson retired at the rank of lieutenant in May 1998 before launching his campaign to replace former Sheriff Bob Vogel. He bested a field of five candidates to win election in 2000 and was sworn into office in 2001. Sheriff Johnson was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2004 without opposition and then defeated single opponents in 2008 and 2012, garnering more than 70% of the vote in both elections. In 2011, Sheriff Johnson was elected president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, according to VSCO.
During his announcement, Sheriff Johnson gave a shout-out to his employees, both past and present, calling them the backbone of the agency and the ones who helped to move things forward in the agency. And he echoed that sentiment in his e-mail message to employees Tuesday morning.
“Whether on the front lines responding to calls or in a behind-the-scenes support role, whether sworn or civilian, paid employee or volunteer, you all have equally shared in our successes and are equally responsible for making the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office one of the best and most respected law enforcement agencies in the state,” Sheriff Johnson wrote. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service, your work ethic and your dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens we serve. It is truly my honor to serve with each and every one of you!”
During a question and answer session with reporters, Sheriff Johnson made a pitch for bigger raises for his employees. And he also said that while he doesn’t totally rule it out, he has no plans to run for higher office.
“Being a Sheriff is a great job,” Sheriff Johnson said. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed working with the people. I’ve enjoyed being able to help. I’ve enjoyed fixing things.”
