Santa Fe Springs welcomes two new Whittier Police Department officers to local public safety team

The Santa Fe Springs City Council recognized two new members of the policing team assigned from the Whittier Police Department.

Captain Easy introduced Officer Josh Chang, noting Chang’s local roots in Hacienda Heights, his AA in administrative justice and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Fullerton. Chang previously served with Bell Gardens Police Department and was hired by Whittier in 2020. Captain Easy said Chang was selected for the traffic bureau and will begin motor training in two weeks, which will increase the city’s motor traffic enforcement capability.

The council also introduced Sergeant Paul Garcia, who was described as having an extended history with Whittier and Santa Fe Springs investigations. Garcia’s background noted U.S. Navy service and prior roles as a patrol officer, school resource officer and detective; he was assigned to supervise Santa Fe Springs patrol. The captain cited awards including "Employee of the Quarter" and a 2023 detective-case recognition.

Council members welcomed both officers and invited family and community recognition; the introductions were ceremonial and did not involve formal action or resource allocations.

Sources: Captain’s introductions of Officer Josh Chang and Sergeant Paul Garcia during the presentations.