Seal Beach police commander, former SWAT sniper promoted to chief of police

Seal Beach resident and Police Commander Phil Gonshak hopes to stay humble and focused on the safety of his community when he settles into his dream job as the city’s Chief of Police effective Sunday, Dec. 1.

City Manager Patrick Gallegos announced Gonshak’s promotion Monday, Sept. 30. The 19-year veteran officer calls his appointment a welcome challenge.

“When I first started 20 years ago, this was something I dreamed of doing,” Gonshak said.

He spent seven years as an officer in his native Tempe, Arizona before joining Seal Beach’s police force in 2007. He served as a patrol officer, SWAT sniper and a variety of other roles as he worked his way up the ranks of the department. He currently serves as the agency’s commander of operations.

Gonshak also moonlights as an adjunct professor of public administration at CSU Long Beach. He said that position has helped the police department forge a meaningful partnership with the university, and broadened his perspectives.

“I think I learn more from the students than they learn from me,” he said.

The commander will replace current Chief Joe Miller, who is retiring at the end of November following a 31-year career in law enforcement. Miller was chosen as interim chief in October 2016, after his predecessor, former Chief Joe Stilinovich, resigned on the heels of a investigation by the city into alleged misconduct.