Malibu has a new police chief, following LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell’s announcement that Josh Thai would be promoted to captain of the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, where he has been acting captain since June 2016.
The promotion was lauded by Malibu leaders, including Mayor Lou La Monte, who sent remarks in a statement shared with the press.
“Josh Thai is an excellent choice for Captain of the Malibu/Lost Hills Station,” Malibu La Monte said. “He has been doing an outstanding job as Acting Captain, and he has proven that he has the exact combination of ability, integrity and commitment that is so important for that position. I look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship.”
After joining the Sheriff’s Department in 1993, Thai came to the Malibu/Lost Hills Station in 2005, where he climbed the ranks from field sergeant and watch commander to his present rank of captain. In those decades, Thai received numerous professional awards and accolades for his service, including the Exemplary Service Award from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the Distinguished Service Award and the Esprit de Corps Award from the U.S. Air Force, and the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Law Enforcement Association of Asian Pacific, according to information provided by the City of Malibu.
Thai came to the Monday, March 13 City Council meeting — one of many he’s attended — and was asked to speak before the city regarding his promotion to what was called “Malibu police chief.”
“It’s a dream — it can’t get any better than this,” Thai said. “Obviously with this appointment to the position as a captain, [I] also require a lot of support from all of you. I look forward to working with each one of you in the community, and thank you so much.”