| Sylvester Johnson | |
| Office: | Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department |
| Term Start: | January 4, 2002 |
| Term End: | January 7, 2008 |
| Successor: | Charles H. Ramsey |
| 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]