Police Department Introduces First Deputy Chief

The Newport Beach Police Department named David McGill as its first-ever deputy chief at a ceremony this week.

McGill, a Newport Beach native, comes to the department from the Los Angeles Police Department where he began his law enforcement career in 1987. Over the past 25 years McGill has worked a variety of assignments including Patrol, Special Problems Unit, Detectives, Internal Affairs, the Anti-Terrorist Division and has served as a lieutenant.

Throughout his career McGill has received numerous accolades including the Police Medal, which is the second highest award for valor. When he is not on duty, McGill spends a lot of time participating in the the Mentor Program at Newport Harbor High School, where he has mentored hundreds of students interested in a law enforcement career.

At Monday's swearing-in ceremony at Council Chambers, the Newport Beach Police Department also recognized six members of the department who were recently promoted. Chief Jay Johnson said the promotions were extremely well-deserved.

"They all rose to the top of a very competitive promotional process. Each of them is committed to serving the community of Newport Beach,” Johnson said in a released statement.

Promotions:

• Sgt. Evan Sailor, a 16-year veteran of the police department, was promoted to Lieutenant. Since 2005 when he was promoted to sergeant, Sailor served as a Defensive Tactics Instructor Supervisor, Field Training Officer Sergeant, SWAT Team Leader and Commander, Patrol Sergeant, Community Relations Sergeant, Press Information Officer and Property Crimes Sergeant. He was named the 2010 Supervisor of the Year and has received two Awards of Merit.

• Sgt. Joseph Short, who started as a reserve officer in 1992, was promoted to Lieutenant. He has worked as a Patrol Sergeant, Acting Watch Commander, SWAT Supervisor, Defensive Tactics Instructor Supervisor, Burglary Sergeant and Crimes Against Persons/Economic Crimes Sergeant. Short has received three Awards of Merit and was most recently recognized as the 2011 Supervisor of the Year.

• Officer Rachel Johnson, a six year veteran of the department, was promoted to Sergeant. Johnson's assignments in Newport Beach have included DARE Officer, Crisis Negotiator, Honor Guard Member, Field Training Officer, Reserve Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. Johnson received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award in 2008.

• Officer Michael Schiavi, a 13-year veteran of the department, was promoted to Sergeant. During his career at the Newport Beach Police Department, Schiavi has worked as a Patrol Officer, Accident Investigator, Motor Officer, and Traffic Detective. Mike’s ancillary assignments have included Volunteer Coordinator, Reserve Coordinator, Officer in Charge of Christmas Boat Parade, OC Marathon, Race for the Cure, Spirit Run and CDM 5K.

• Dispatcher Laurie Syvock, who began her career as a police cadet in 1987, was promoted to Senior Dispatcher. Laurie resigned from her position as Senior Police Dispatcher in 2005 to be home with her two young children, remaining with the department as a part-time dispatcher. In 2010, Laurie was rehired as a full-time employee.

• Cynthia Ray joins the Records Section of the Newport Beach Police Department after working for the past five years as a Parking Lot Attendant for the city of Newport Beach. Cynthia attended Cal State University, Long Beach, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in History.

• Johnson also presented Chief’s Citations to Lt. Dennis Birch and Lt. Jon Lewis to recognize their stellar work while serving as interim commanders in their respective divisions.