Johnson's departure was announced early in Monday's Select Board meeting by Town Manager Jason Hoch, who, along with Johnson and the town, is a named defendant in a federal discrimination lawsuit brought by Sgt. Scott McGowan.
That lawsuit, which came to light in August, raised allegations of sexual misconduct and racist behaviors in the WPD that touched off months of protest in the North Berkshire community.
McGowan, who released his statement through resident and supporter Janice Loux, wrote that his decision to end the lawsuit came in response to Johnson's departure.
"After receiving the news, I have reflected on my current litigation with the Town, including the climate of distrust in our community," McGowan wrote. "As such, I have reached a difficult decision to withdraw my federal lawsuit as I see this moment as an opportunity to join in our community's healing."