Oakland Police Officer Craig Johnson and his mom Maxine Johnson, in car, riding in the Oakland Memorial Day Parade. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
For Oakland Patrol Officer Craig Johnson, the classic police cruiser he drives is far more than a vehicle — it is a rolling tribute to family, service, and community.
The cruiser has a long and meaningful history. Originally owned by Johnson’s father, a retired Oakland Chief of Police, the vehicle is a duplicate of the cruiser he drove in 1974 and has been restored with original equipment. While the cruiser has been used for patrol duties over the years, today it is reserved primarily for special occasions and urgent circumstances. To many who see it, the vehicle represents a proud piece of Oakland’s law enforcement history.
Johnson’s commitment to public service spans decades. He served nearly 21 years in the Maine Army National Guard and Army Reserves, retiring in 2006 as a Communications Section Sergeant. His law enforcement career began in 1988 as a reserve deputy sheriff, eventually leading him to become the full-time Chief of Police, in Clinton.
After retiring from that position in 2016, Johnson discovered that leaving law enforcement behind wasn’t as easy as he expected. Following a brief stint in court security, he found himself drawn back to patrol work. Today, he serves as a patrol officer in his hometown of Oakland, a community he says will always hold a special place in his heart.
Adding to the significance of the photograph is the woman seated in the cruiser beside him – his mother, Maxine Johnson. A retired emergency dispatcher from the Waterville Communications Center, Maxine played an important role in local public safety history. She is the last surviving original dispatcher who helped bring the communications center online and into operation.
Together, the Johnson family represents generations of dedication to serving central Maine. From police leadership and emergency communications to military service and patrol duty, their combined legacy has touched countless lives throughout the region.
The vintage cruiser stands as more than a piece of law enforcement history. It serves as a symbol of a family’s lifelong commitment to protecting and serving the communities they call home.
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