Bongartz had served as chief since 2009 and was with the department more than 38 years. A retirement celebration in his honor is set for Sept. 18.
Johnson is a seasoned public servant with more than three decades of experience in law enforcement and local government leadership. He brings operational, administrative and strategic expertise to this interim role, shaped by a career in California law enforcement.
Johnson currently serves as a Clay County Commissioner, with focus areas in public safety and government efficiency. Prior to retirement in 2015, he served five years as chief of police of Newport Beach and 23 years in the Long Beach Police Department, where he rose to the rank of commander and specialized in patrol, gangs, narcotics and SWAT.
Johnson has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration from California State University, Long Beach.