Michael Langston, who has served as a police captain with the Turlock Police Department for the past three and a half years, is heading to Southern California, where he’ll take the helm as the police chief of the Signal Hill Police Department.

Langston has amassed 24 years in law enforcement. The majority of his career has been with the San Fernando Police Department, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. When he joined the Turlock Police Department in 2007 and took up the role of captain, Langston became responsible for the Field Services Division, which includes patrol operations. Recently he has been the overseer of the department’s special operations, which includes investigations.

“I had the opportunity to bring Mike here three and a half years ago and I asked him to make a three year commitment to the department,” said Turlock Police Chief Gary Hampton. “In that time he’s done about six years worth of work.”

Hampton credits Langston with helping to modernize the department and establish operation that had been absent from the department.

“It’s a great loss to the department, but he’s ready to be a police chief,” Hampton said.

Langston begins his new post May 31. He’ll be heading up a department that patrols a city with a population just above 11,000 and is surrounded by Long Beach.

“Signal Hill is similar to the city I came from and has a style of policing that I understand and want to get back to,” Langston said. “Serving as a police chief is something we all aspire to and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to reach this pinnacle.”

In the City of Spring Hill’s announcement of hiring Langston, they touted his focus on building strong partnerships — a skill Langston says he has developed here in Turlock.

“I’ve learned so much here and from so many people, none more so than Police Chief Gary Hampton,” Langston said. “He is one of the finest chiefs in California and has been a fantastic mentor and friend.”

Hampton said he is in discussions with City Manager Roy Wasden to decide whether Langston’s position will be filled or remain vacant for the time being.

In moving back to the Southern California area, Langston will be rejoining some of his family ties, but the uprooting doesn’t come without a bit of sadness.

“I will definitely miss the people here,” Langston said. “Turlock is just a great community with a great future ahead.”

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.