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Newport Beach Police Chief Sworn In
posted: June 30th, 2010 06:45 pm |
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Vowing to to be accessible, visible, responsive and accountable, Jay R. Johnson took the oath today and became Newport Beach’s ninth police chief.
“I promise you,” he said, “I will not let you down.”
Johnson, who will earn $204,500 as chief, had been working as a commander for the Long Beach Police Department. Dozens of his former colleagues were at the 4 p.m. swearing-in ceremony, along with Newport Beach city officials and members of the City Council.
Johnson told the audience that he never wanted to be a police officer until one day when he rode along with his older brother, who is a Long Beach Police Department officer.
“Whatever it was, the switch was flipped that night for me,” he said.
He said he applied for a job at the Newport Beach Police Department early in his career but ended up in Long Beach instead. But while some police practices are common no matter what city you are in, he said he was determined to make a smooth transition among his department and in the community.
“I am fully aware that Newport Beach is not Long Beach,” he said.
City Manager Dave Kiff said Johnson was selected after an extensive search that began with 60 applications.
Mayor Keith Curry welcomed him.
“This is a great city, with great neighborhoods and great residents,” he said. “You inherit a great department. We are honored to have you as our new chief.”
Johnson’s extended family attended the ceremony, and his wife, Nicole, pinned his new badge on his new uniform before giving him a hug and kiss. Johnson’s three small children also were on hand.
The new chief said his family supported him through the interview process, with his wife helping him research the city and its officials, and his children writing notes of support that they tucked among his papers for him to find during interviews.
“I can’t express to you how tremendously proud I am to be your chief,” he said.
Read our earlier story here.
Editor’s note: This story originally said Johnson was the department’s tenth chief, based on misinformation provided at the ceremony. He is in fact the ninth chief.
