Newport Beach police promotes 5

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT BEACH -- They’re movin’ on up -- to deluxe positions on the

force.

Five Newport Beach police officers, two sergeants and three detectives

were promoted Friday morning by Chief Bob McDonell.

“I’m the happiest guy on the planet,” said newly promoted Sgt. Steve

Koudelka, after describing the grueling tests and interviews he endured

to become a sergeant.

Bob Oakley, formerly a sergeant with the helicopter program, is now a

lieutenant; and John Klein, supervisor of detectives, has also earned the

rank of lieutenant.

Additionally, Koudelka, Dale Johnson and Bill Hartford became

sergeants. Johnson, previously an officer in the crimes against people

division, will remain in that department. Hartford will move from the

vice and intelligence division to the patrol division. Koudelka, will

remain in the training and personnel division, where he was a background

investigator.

The Newport Beach Police Department filled positions left vacant after

the recent retirements of Sgt. Albert Fisher, Sgt. Kent Stoddard and Lt.

Don Chandler. New officers also will be needed if Newport Coast is

annexed into the city.