Seal Beach Taps Veteran Long Beach Cop as New Police Chief

Seal Beach has a new top cop.

Commander Joe Stilinovich, a 17-year veteran of the Long Beach Police Department, will head the Seal Beach Police Department, officials announced Wednesday.

Interim SBPD Chief Keith Kilmer will retire when Stilinovich takes the reigns. City staff said no date is set for Stilinovich to take office, but expect it happen sometime in the next two months.

For the past five years, Stilinovich has been a LBPD commander and currently serves as the Gang and Violent Crimes Divison Commander.  His assignments have also included Patrol South Division Commander and Training Division Commander. 

“I believe that we have found in Commander Stilinovich, a chief of police that not only has the professional qualifications, but the personal attributes, demeanor, interests, and community spirit that will make him an excellent fit for this very important position in Seal Beach,” said Mayor Michael Levitt in a written statement.

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.

"I am very honored and humbled to have been selected by City Manager Ingram to serve as the chief of police for the Seal Beach Police Department,” Stilinovich said in a written statement. “Policing is a people business and Seal Beach is known for being a close-knit, supportive community. I am excited to work with the community and entire City family.

“The Seal Beach Police Department is a strong, well respected organization. My goal is to keep the Department moving forward while ensuring we are responsive, approachable and transparent to the community we serve.”