Crime & Safety

City Names Interim Police Chief

Police Captain Steve Johnson will temporarily replace Greg Savelli, who resigned to join the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

Hermosa Beach Police Captain Steve Johnson will step in to replace Greg Savelli as interim police chief, said City Manager Steve Burrell in a statement Thursday.

Johnson, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement, has served as the second-highest ranking office under Savelli, according to the statement. Before joining the Hermosa Beach Police Department, Johnson was a police lieutenant with the San Marino Police Department.

"I have full confidence in Captain Johnson and his ability to ensure the department continues to run smoothly," Burrell said. "While we determine the process for a permanent replacement, Captain Johnson will provide the leadership needed to continue the tradition of excellence and professionalism Chief Savelli instilled in the city’s Police Department."

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Savelli last week told Patch that he was for another job. It was later announced that Savelli would permanently head the Los Angeles Department of Transportation's parking enforcement division.

With Savelli as chief, the Hermosa police department in 2010 , Burrell pointed out in his statement.

Find out what's happening in Hermosa Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I have very much enjoyed my time in Hermosa Beach," Savelli told Patch last week after confirming his departure. "The City Manager, City Council and the community have been very supportive of all my efforts to enhance the Police Department."

Thursday marks Savelli's final day with the Hermosa Beach Police Department, but he said during a City Council meeting Tuesday night that he plans to remain a Hermosa Beach resident.

As Johnson begins to temporarily take over as chief, it will be a major step in his career, which began years ago as an Orange County deputy sheriff. In 1987, Johnson transferred to the Huntington Beach Police Department, where he served the community as a patrol officer and detective.

Johnson was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served as a patrol bureau supervisor in 1993, and then in 2005 he joined the San Marino Police Department. 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.


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