Capt. Steve Johnson, a 27-year law enforcement veteran who joined the Hermosa Beach Police Department about five months ago, has been named interim police chief while a replacement is sought for Greg Savelli, who left to lead the Los Angeles Bureau of Parking Enforcement and Traffic Control.
“I have full confidence in Capt. Johnson and his ability to ensure the department continues to run smoothly,” Hermosa Beach City Manager Steve Burrell said. “While we determine the process for a permanent replacement, Capt. Johnson will provide the leadership needed to continue the tradition of excellence and professionalism Chief Savelli instilled in the city’s Police Department.”
Before becoming the Hermosa department’s second in command, Johnson served as a police lieutenant with the San Marino Police Department.
He began his career as anOrangeCountysheriff’s deputy, serving at the county’s main jail in Santa Ana and in the communities of Rossmoor and North Tustin as a patrol deputy.
In December 1987, Johnson joined the Huntington Beach Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer and detective. In 1993 he was promoted to sergeant and served as a patrol bureau supervisor.
Johnson went on to supervise the Professional Standards Unit, the Field Training Officer program, the Firearms Training Unit and the Crimes Against Persons Unit, which investigated homicides, robberies, domestic violence and sexual assaults.
In June 2005 the San Marino Police Department hired Johnson as a police lieutenant. He managed both the Operations and the Support Services divisions and served as acting police chief on several occasions.
He also served on the board of the San Marino Chamber of Commerce.
Johnson graduated from the California State University, Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in financial management and a master’s degree in public administration. He is a graduate of the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training Command College, an adjunct instructor for the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy, and has chaired the California Peace Officers’ Association, Legal Advisors Committee.
