MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — For Fred Johnson, it’s the end of an era as he says goodbye to a career in law that spans more than 50 years. Johnson has served as chief public defender for the Muskegon County Public Defender’s Office since 2013. Previously, Johnson was an attorney for more than 35 years in the Grand Rapids area. After spending the last decade in Muskegon County, he calls his career the ride of a lifetime he'll cherish.
"It has been amazing, it's been the best part of my professional career,” Johnson said. "It has allowed me to help, it has allowed me to bring people in to give them opportunities to do great things."
When Johnson started in Muskegon County 11 years ago, he knew he wanted to provide quality legal counsel to those who couldn't afford it. He immediately recognized the need for affordable legal counsel and knew an opportunity as a public defender would allow him to open doors for other people. Over the years, he says he's been able to have an impact on countless families and many that he'll never forget.
"If a guy goes to jail for 30 days, he comes out and has no job, there’s nothing he can do to provide for his family except steal. If I can get him out of jail, he’s able to keep his job. It's just the best thing that we've done,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he's most proud of the growth of his office since he started a decade ago. As far as Johnson’s plan post-retirement, he said he’s still figuring it out.
"My wife still works, so my plan was to do a lot of traveling but she still works, so we'll stay local. I may do some private practice here to keep my hand in, I may not,” Johnson said.
His last day is Friday, June 7.
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