John Hoover, former chief of the Missouri State Parks Law Enforcement/Ranger Program, has been appointed chief of police for the city of California.
He is set to begin his new position Aug. 6. The city's Board of Aldermen and Mayor Norris Gerhart made the selection at a special board meeting July 11.
Most of Hoover's career has been spent in Missouri State Parks Law Enforcement/Ranger Program. He began as a park ranger and worked his way through the ranks to serve as chief from 2012-17.
Most recently, Hoover served as deputy court marshal with the 13th Judicial Circuit of Missouri, serving Boone and Callaway counties.
In addition to a degree in criminal justice administration, Hoover brings to the California Police Department years of performance in the law enforcement field, both the front line and in management and administration.
Dale Embry will continue to serve as acting police chief until Hoover begins his new role.