After candidate interviews and panel discussions at the beginning of December, City Manager Amy Chan named former Sunnyvale police, fire and administrative and technical services captain Don Johnson to the chief's position.

Johnson fills a space that has been held by temporary directors since former Chief Ernie Bakin injured himself on the job more than a year ago. Bakin officially retired as public safety director on Aug. 8.

Johnson is expected to take the public safety reins on Jan. 31.

He will take over for the interim chief, Pat Dwyer, who has been filling in since late August when he took over for Bob Bradshaw. Bradshaw left office because of managerial differences with the city manager and because he wanted to be closer to his home in Reno, Nevada.

Most recently, Johnson was Chief of Police for the city of Los Altos, and his experience--both in California and Sunnyvale specifically--made him an ideal candidate for this city's unique department.

Unlike most cities its size, Sunnyvale's law enforcement and fire services are combined in the Department of Public Safety, which saves money and guarantees that all officers are prepared for all types of situations. Every sworn officer is trained for both branches. Despite their broad training, officers' have excelled on the job. The city regularly wins SWAT competitions and was again voted one of the safest cities in the country this year.

Because of Johnson's experience in California, Sunnyvale Communications Officer John Pilger said the city expects him to be able to navigate the city and state budgets effectively, something the city looks for in all their management-level positions.

Johnson was even educated locally, earning his Masters of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San José State University before graduating from the FBI National Academy. He also served more than a decade on the executive board of San José State's Administration of Justice Department.