‘Homegrown’ Police Chief Takes Helm In Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Redondo Beach has sworn in "another homegrown" police chief.

Steve Sprengel, a 23-year veteran with the Redondo Beach Police Department, was officially sworn in Tuesday, taking the helm from Chief Joe Hoffman, who retired in December after 31 years with the department.

“Steve brings incredible energy to this position, and I think what's most exciting is Steve is another homegrown chief for us,” City Manager Mike Witzansky said. “We've been fortunate to have a series of chiefs that have deep ties to the community, both Redondo Beach and the South Bay, and Steve continues that tradition that has served us incredibly well.”

After being sworn in by City Clerk Eleanor Manzano, Sprengel welcomed his wife of 28 years and father, a retired lieutenant with the department, to help pin his badge.

Sprengel thanked his loved ones, saying, “Without their love and support, this wouldn't be possible."

Sprengel said he comes from a "family of service." His father retired from the Redondo Beach Police Department after 30 years; his mother is a retired nurse; one of his brothers is a retired captain from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; and his twin brother is a Los Angeles County Fire chief.

“So, Dad, we all outrank you,” Sprengel quipped.

During his tenure with the department, Sprengel has worked a variety of roles, including a field training officer, a lieutenant watch commander and the department’s DUI instructor, according to city officials.

“Additionally, as Captain, Steve supervised the Special Operations, Patrol, and Support Services Bureaus, demonstrating steady leadership and a deep understanding of departmental operations,” officials said.

Before joining the department, Sprengel owned and operated a general contracting business, as well as served three years as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, officials said.

Sprengel has a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety, as well as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“I, too, love the city of Redondo Beach. It's an amazing place to live, great place to work … and to be part of that and to be here has been an absolutely amazing career, and I've enjoyed every bit of it,” Sprengel said. “The men and women of our police department, I'm so proud of them, and I'm super excited to be their chief, work alongside them and continue forward.”