Sylvester Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department | |
| In office January 4, 2002 –January 7, 2008 | |
| Preceded by | John Timoney |
| Succeeded by | Charles H. Ramsey |
| Personal details | |
| Spouse | Cynthia |
| Children | 3 sons |
Sylvester M. Johnson is a retired American law enforcement officer. He served on the Philadelphia Police Department for forty-three years,including six years as the city's 13th Police Commissioner from January 4,2002,until January 7,2008. [1] [2]
Johnson joined the Philadelphia police department in 1964 and was soon assigned to the city's Highway Patrol. [1] In 1972 Johnson was awarded the medal of valor,the police department's highest award,for stopping the armed robbery of a supermarket in Cheltenham,Pennsylvania,while off-duty. [1]
Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street appointed Johnson as Police Commissioner to succeed outgoing police chief John Timoney. [1] He took office on January 4,2002. [2] Johnson was credited with lowering Philadelphia's murder rate during his first year in office. [1] He also improved some community relations. [1] He retired on January 7,2008. [1]