Veteran officer receives promotion to sergeant

Tri-County Newspapers

Orland police Officer Sean Johnson was promoted on Friday following completion of his sergeant's exam on Thursday.

Johnson is an eight-year veteran with the department and has performed a variety of roles through the years.

"I had three qualified candidates for the position," Chief J.C. Tolle said in a statement.

The examination consisted of writing a media release based on a major incident within the city, and questions from a three-member oral board about police duties and scenarios, Tolle said.

It also included a role-playing scenario in which candidates had to counsel an employee. It concluded with an interview with the chief.

Johnson was hired by the department in 2004. He became a field training officer in 2006, assisting in recruiting and training new officers.

He also has been the coordinator of the Volunteers in Police Service group since 2007 and conducted the Citizens Academy for new members.

Other duties include being a gang information officer who conducts trainings for the public and law enforcement and he coordinates anti-gang enforcement efforts between Orland and surrounding areas.

Johnson grew up in the east Bay and moved to Chico in 2002 to attend school. He attended the Chico VIPS Citizens Academy and became interested in law enforcement.

He attended the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy in 2003.

After completing the six-month academy, he continued as a Chico VIPS volunteer, until he was hired by Orland.

Johnson resides in Orland with his wife.