Surprised while walking on Pier Plaza today. I met a peace officer.
Good, kind, concerned.
Now, this is the first time I've ever said that because, well, it's never really happened like this before.
I saw Captain Steve Johnson walking with a lady friend near Silvio's Brazilian. We spoke. I noted that he was not wearing his uniform. But his street clothes, he said, were his new uniform. He was wearing a soft camel colored sweater and dark pants. His bright gold badge was striking above his left shirt pocket and his weapon was strapped almost unnoticeably to his side. He stood tall and engaging, greeting me with his reassuring smile and warm eyes. His silver hair combed back and with narrow, focused eyes, he reminded me of an eagle. He was, as I understood, a new kind of police presence in my city - personal and at pedestrian level. We were able to talk at length. I liked it. I felt safe.
Cops on the beat here? Oh yes! And every one a peace officer like Captain Steve Johnson.
Thank you, Hermosa Beach.
