After almost two years of searching, Hermosa Beach will officially have a full-time Chief of Police starting September 30.
On Tuesday, Hermosa Beach City Manager announced that Sharon Papa, a law enforcement executive with more than 34 years of experience, was appointed as police chief, replacing Interim Police Chief Michael McCrary, who began serving in April and HBPD veteran Steve Johnson served as interim chief the previous year.
“I am excited to begin working with the City of Hermosa Beach,” said Papa in a press release. “This city presents a great opportunity to practice community policing and enhance the policing efforts already underway that respect the beach community’s way of life while also ensuring the highest levels of public safety.”
Papa has served more than 15 years at the Los Angeles Police Department, most recently in the position of assisting commanding officer in the Operations Valley Bureau. While working at the LAPD, she oversaw 2,500 personnel. She also previously served as chief of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department. She has also served as the president as an executive board member for the Peace Officers’ Association of Los Angeles County
“All of us on the City Council look forward to working with the new chief to ensure the safety of Hermosa Beach residents, businesses and visitors,” said Mayor Kit Bobko in an official city press release. Bobko originally threw his support behind the other final candidate, Cecil Rhambo, with a personal press release that sparked a political controversy.
Papa was selected from a field of 47 applicants, which was narrowed to a selection of six finalists.
“The City of Hermosa Beach is pleased to have such an experienced and well-qualified law enforcement professional join our police force as chief,” said Bakaly. “Our new chief will be a great addition to our city staff and will provide crucial strategic guidance and leadership to the Hermosa Beach Police Department as we continue to work to create a culture of high performance and provide the utmost public safety.”
