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Crime & Safety

New Seal Beach Police Chief To Be Sworn In Dec. 18

Long Beach Police Department Veteran Joe Stilinovich starts work Dec. 17 and will receive his badge in an ceremony at the Old Ranch Country Club the day after.

It's almost time for Seal Beach's new top cop to take his badge.

Officials will swear in Joe Stilinovich as chief of the Seal Beach Police Department at a 3 p.m. ceremony Dec. 18 at the Old Ranch Country Club. 

Stilinovich, a 17-year veteran of the Long Beach Police Department, will be taking the reigns from Interim SBPD Chief Keith Kilmer, who will retire when Stilinovich becomes chief.

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Seal Beach staff announced Oct. 31 that Stilinivich would take office.

The private event runs 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will include a reception. 

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For the past five years, Stilinovich has been a LBPD commander and served as the Gang and Violent Crimes Divison Commander.  

According to Patrick Gallegos, city administrative manager, after a long search, staff decided Stilinovich was the best fit for Seal Beach.

"There were some really great candidates," Gallegos said. "Joe really stood out from the crowd.”

“I think it’s important for our community to have trust with the new chief,” Gallego added. "I recently met the chief, and I can truly say that he’s really an outstanding guy.”

Stilinovich's Long Beach assignments have also included Patrol South Division Commander and Training Division Commander. 

According to Seal Beach staff, Stilinovich has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in emergency service administration, both from California State University, Long Beach. 

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, the West Point Leadership Program, and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, and Stilinovich has also received the California Peace Officers Association Professional Achievement Award.

Stilinovich's first day on the job is Dec. 17, according to Gallegos.

Any words of advice to the incoming chief? 

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