John Hoover, former chief of the Missouri State Parks Law Enforcement/Ranger Program, has been appointed by the Board of Aldermen and Mayor Norris Gerhart as the Chief of Police for the City of California.
He is set to begin his new position Aug. 6. The selection was made at the special board meeting July 11.
Most of Hoover's career has been spent in Missouri State Parks Law Enforcement/Ranger Program. He began as a park ranger and worked his way through the ranks to serve as chief from 2012-17.
Most recently, Hoover served as Deputy Court Marshall with the 13th Judicial Circuit of Missouri, serving Boone and Callaway counties.
In addition to a degree in criminal justice administration, Hoover brings to the California Police Department many years of performance in the law enforcement field, not only on the front line, but also in management and administration.
In the meantime, Dale Embry will continue to serve as the acting police chief. The board and the mayor said they are grateful to Captain Embry for his leadership during this time.