City of Porterville

March 2010 Employee of the Month

Gary Miller

Department Directors for the City of Porterville have selected Officer Gary Miller as the Employee of the Month for March 2010.

Gary Miller came to work for the Porterville Police Department in June of 1999 after leaving his home state of Louisiana. Gary quickly developed a passion for the K-9 program and became a dog handler until his appointment to the Department’s Special Investigations Unit.

Following his tour as a narcotics detective, Gary returned to the patrol division and once again took on a K-9 partner, Seven. Gary and Seven have conducted literally hundreds of public demonstrations and have appeared in numerous parades and K-9 competitions. Gary is also the primary Range Master for the Police Department where his love of firearms and passion for teaching are evident with each monthly training session.

Officer Miller continuously demonstrates a knack for locating and apprehending felons shortly after crimes have been committed. In 2009 he was commended three times for such proactive activity. One recent example occurred in late December of 2009 when an armed robbery occurred at the Jack in the Box restaurant on West Olive. The suspect, who was armed with a handgun, fled the scene and very little information was known about his identity. Through good teamwork with his co-workers and the use of his resources, Officer Miller had the suspect identified and in custody within 17 minutes of the crime occurring.

Gary and his wife Carla make their home in Porterville with their 6 children. Gary spends much of his free time doing outdoor activities and volunteering as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He is frequently seen performing activities with the Scouts such as camping trips, work details, or delivering phone books throughout the city.

Gary is truly a valued member of the police department and a role model for young officers to follow. He comes to work everyday with the mindset of doing the best job possible, and making a difference through his work for our community.

Please join us in congratulating our March 2010 Employee of the Month, Officer Gary Miller.