BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Colonel Brandon Solberg announces the promotion of Sergeant Steve Johnson to lieutenant with reassignment to serve as the NDHP Southwest Regional Commander.

Johnson joined the North Dakota Highway Patrol after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bemidji State University in 2004. He then attended the Highway Patrol Academy and graduated in October 2004. Following graduation, Johnson was stationed in Lakota as a traffic enforcement trooper until January 2006 when he accepted a transfer to Grand Forks. In September 2008, he transferred to Bismarck, continuing service as a traffic enforcement officer. Johnson was promoted to sergeant on February 1, 2012, and initially served as a field training officer at the Law Enforcement Training Academy and then as a regional sergeant for the southwest region. On March 1, 2016, Johnson accepted the position of director of security at headquarters in Bismarck, where he currently serves.

Johnson begins duty as SW Regional Commander effective August 1, 2020. He replaces retiring commander, Lt. Steve Fischer.

Feature photo: Sgt. Steve Johnson (right) takes the oath of office administered by Colonel Brandon Solberg (left) at a promotion ceremony on Friday, July 31, at the state Capitol.