CORRECTION: This story originally incorrectly described Leonard Johnson's status as sheriff. He is an interim sheriff, sworn in for a period of 60 days.
From a young boy, Leonard Johnson always wanted to be a "brother in blue."
"I had intentions of going to work with the Georgia State Patrol," he says.
But then an offer presented itself that he couldn't refuse.
"Later, the sheriff contacted me and he said, 'Leonard, if you are interested in law enforcement, I'm looking for someone. Why don't you try working with me?" Johnson says.
He climbed the ladder from dispatch to sergeant then chief deputy, and 38 years later, he's still there, ready to take over that head spot as interim sheriff.
"I've dedicated more than half of my life to the citizens of Macon County, and I sort of feel like it's deserving. Patting myself on the back, but I feel like it's deserving," Johnson says.
He says he doesn't plan on making many changes in the beginning, he wants to get a better understanding of the problems and go from there.
"What law enforcement really means is to protect and serve, not necessarily to lock up everybody that you can lock up or write as many tickets as you can, but to protect and serve, and that is my goal," Johnson says.
He was sworn in at 1 p.m. Wednesday, making history as the first person of color to take the position in Macon County. He's the interim sheriff, for a period of 60 days or until charges against suspended Sheriff Charles Cannon are resolved.
The community packed in to show their support and pride for their new sheriff.
"I appreciate the respect that I have gotten from the citizens of Macon County during my 38-and-a-half years. I've always respected people, and if you respect people, they will respect you back," Johnson says.
Johnson says he's excited to get started and start making Macon County a safer place.
Johnson replaces sheriff Charles Cannon, who was suspended after being indicted on a sexual battery charge.