Police Chief Philip Gonshak is moving to Colorado

SBPD

Seal Beach Chief of Police Philip L. Gonshak will be stepping down from his role after over 15 years of service to the department. He has accepted a job as the interim county manager for Summit County, Colorado.

Gonshak began his career in public service almost 23 years ago with the Tempe, Arizona, Police Department, and joined the Seal Beach Police Department in 2007 to be closer to his wife’s family in Old Town, Seal Beach. During his time at the Seal Beach Police Department, Gonshak climbed the ranks, starting as police officer and moving up the rank to corporal, sergeant and operations bureau commander before being appointed to chief of police in 2019. “The decision to leave my career in law enforcement is all about my family and continuing on into the field of public administration management,” said Chief Gonshak. “I am deeply saddened to leave such a wonderful community and organization. However, this opportunity to serve Summit County will bring my family closer together as one of our daughters is currently attending University of Colorado, Boulder. “Further, this will provide me with a new opportunity to lead in a field of which I am obsessed with, public administration. I am so grateful to the men and women of the Seal Beach Police Department whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving with for more than 15 years. Moreover, I cannot thank the Seal Beach City Council enough for its support, and City Manager Jill Ingram for her unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship throughout my career. As difficult as it is to leave Seal Beach, I know that the current police department command staff is more than prepared to take over leadership. “Lastly, I cannot thank the entire Seal Beach community enough for their confidence in what our police department has accomplished together, specifically during the most trying three years most of us have ever faced. From the bottom of my heart, know that I am eternally grateful to this community, this organization, and our leaders, as they will all hold a special place in my heart.”

Chief Gonshak is scheduled to start his position on Nov. 21. In the coming weeks, he will continue to support City Manager Ingram and work to ensure a smooth transition for his replacement.

“It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Phil, not only as our chief of police, but also as my friend,” Ingram said. “Phil has been instrumental in leading the Seal Beach Police Department though unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and nationwide calls for police reform.”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Chief Gonshak and his family for over 15 years,” Seal Beach Mayor Joe Kalmick said. “I’ve known Phil both as a fellow Old Town resident, as a police officer, and ultimately as the chief of police. Public safety is always a priority for the city council, and Phil’s dedication and leadership to this community is second to none.”

A process for Chief Gonshak’s replacement is currently being constructed.