MENDING FENCES

First, he had fences to mend. Nixon’s summary dismissal of St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar did not sit well with the county chief.

“Chief Belmar’s words to me were, ‘This is a hard pill to swallow,’ ” Johnson said. “But I tell you, we had a professional relationship before this happened and he knew how much respect I had for him. And early on, he said to me, ‘I am in your corner,’ and he has been ever since.”

Johnson also praised St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson: “He’s offered me great support.”

But that warmth has not marked his dealings with Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson.

“Let’s just say that my relationship with Chief Jackson has not been like my dealings with the other chiefs,” Johnson said.

Since Johnson took command, Ferguson police have not been involved in the protest zone.

Asked why, he said, “You’ll have to ask Chief Jackson that.”

Jackson could not be reached for comment on Friday.