The South Pasadena City Council Wednesday is planning on honoring Police Chief Art Miller, who is leaving to take over a slightly larger police department in Arizona.
Miller’s last day on the job will be Aug. 18. He will be starting his new job Sept. 3.
The City Council is expected to present a proclamation to Miller along with a proclamation to longtime departing employee, Planning and Building Director David Watkins. Watkins has been with the city for more than 18 years – 18.5 to be exact – and has been an integral part of the city’s planning process, according to City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe. DeWolfe said that Watkins has always gone under the radar with his accomplishments, shying away from the limelight, but his contributions have been invaluable.
Meanwhile, city officials have been waiting to honor Miller until his new job was in place and although that has not been announced officially – expected Aug. 28 – he’s accepted the job as the new police chief for Peoria, Arizona.
The Peoria Police Department has about 200 sworn officers while So Pas has 36. Peoria has been looking for a new police chief for the past six months and Miller was a finalist out of 55 applicants. Miller was planning on retiring in the same area, so this was “fortuitous,” he has said.
Miller started with the So Pas Police Department in February 2013, having come from the Los Angeles Police Department as a captain of the Metro Division.
A farewell celebration is scheduled for Miller Aug. 16 at the War Memorial Building at 435 Fair Oaks Ave.
