John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Pastor Gregory Johnson, co-founder of American University of Health Sciences (AUHS), thanked Signal Hill Chief of Police Michael Langston for his years of service to the community and wished him a happy and healthy retirement. Pastor Johnson showed his complete support and admiration for the chief by attending Langston’s retirement party at the Petroleum Club Saturday, December 10th, 2016.

AUHS also congratulated the new Signal Hill Police Chief, Chris Nunley, for being appointed by the City Council last month. Nunley’s promotion is well deserved and we know that he will continue Chief Langston’s legacy of building and maintaining meaningful relationships between the SHPD, AUHS and the Signal Hill community.

“A lot of times police chiefs must take on a persona like they’re more than human,” said Pastor Johnson, “Michael Langston, however, knows how to be the chief and carry that role, but he’s also someone who knows how to encourage, knows how to care and knows how to give in times of great need in order to support his community. He’s a man that actually cares about what’s happening in his city.”

Because of Chief Langston, the Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) and AUHS have established a healthy and lasting relationship throughout the years. Chief Langston and the SHPD has supported AUHS, especially during the university’s major events such as Acts of Love and the Health and Wellness Fair, where the university gives needy families and individuals free groceries and health care services.

“(Langston) is just a down to earth, non-pretentious guy. That’s why people love him so much,” Pastor Johnson said, “Anytime (AUHS) called him to be there, he’s been there without hesitation. He’s always riding around to make sure that we’re okay, especially on those occasions and events, because he knows what we’re doing.”

The Signal Hill Police Department has also set up booths at a few of AUHS’ events. AUHS has provided the SHPD access to its building for training purposes. The SHPD mainly used AUHS’ facilities to practice how to enter and secure a building.

Several hundred people gathered at Langston’s retirement party including Langston’s friends, family and loved ones, his fellow police officers, local business owners and many high ranking city officials.

Jackie Lacey, the District Attorney of Los Angeles County, attended the event to congratulate Langston on his retirement and to commend him for his services.

Thanks to Chief Langston, the SHPD became the first law enforcement officer agency to equip police officers with body worn cameras, said Lacey. Langston also coordinated thedevelopment of the South East Regional Mental Health Evaluation team to provide services to those in need by pairing police officers with mental health workers, according to Lacey.

Melissa Guy, the President of the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, also presented at Langston’s retirement party with her husband, Marcus Guy, the First Vice President of the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Melissa Guy shared her first experience with Langston and the SHPD. Nearly 5 years ago, Melissa and Marcus Guy decided to move their business from Hollywood to “the Hill.”

“Moving into the city was pretty easy but getting a grand opening off the ground was not,” Melissa Guy said.

Melissa Guy recounted how she struggled, “(ran) around like a chicken with it’s head cut off” to put the grand opening of her business together. A quarter before 5 pm, when her guests were due to arrive, Chief Langston and his police officers walked through the door.

“I thought we were in big trouble. But instead, Chief Langston smiles and said, ‘Looks like you guys could use some help. We can lend a hand,’” Melissa Guy said.

The very first impression Melissa and Marcus Guy had of moving into Signal Hill as “rookie business owners” was Chief Langston and the SHPD officers helping them set up for the grand opening.

“That single moment has impacted our life here as business owners and as community leaders,” Melissa Guy said, “It has led to us wanting to further support this city and this community.”

AUHS congratulates Chief Michael Langston on his retirement and thanks him for his services to the community. Chief Langston will be greatly missed and we wish him the best in this next season of his life and in all of his future endeavors.