Chief Art Miller Offered New Position

South Pasadena Police Chief Art Miller targeted to become New Police Chief in Peoria, Arizona on September 4

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro Associate Editor SouthPasadenan.com | June 2017 - SPPD Chief, Art Miller, speaks about the impact the case has had on not only Andressian Jr.'s family, but the entire South Pasadenan community

After 5 ½ years as police chief in South Pasadena, it appears South Pasadena Police Chief Art Miller will be departing the city to assume the same position in Peoria, Arizona.

“If all goes well, I will be sworn in September 4,” said Miller in a text, adding that his last official day in South Pasadena will be August 18.

PHOTO: SouthPasadenan.com | Chief Miller addresses citizens at the special Public Safety Commission meeting

A national search was conducted by City of Peoria. City officials say 55 applications were received for the job. The four finalists were interviewed between July 17 and 18. Four candidates were in the final group seeking the position. Miller joined Richard A. Bash, deputy chief of the Columbus Police Department in Ohio; Benny Pina, deputy chief of the Peoria Police Department; and David McGill, police chief of the Sedona Police Department, as the finalists moving ahead in the interview process.

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PHOTO: Courtesy of Susan Groveman | SouthPasadenan.com | Chief of Police Arthur Miller

Last Month, Miller confirmed he was a candidate for the position. “This rare opportunity presented itself,” said Miller at the time. “I am a finalist for the position. Until a final decision is made I remain committed to South Pasadena.”

“Public Safety is a cornerstone of our community, and selecting a highly experienced and passionate individual to serve as our police chief will carry out the mission of being one of the safest cities,” Peoria City Manager Jeff Tyne told the Peoria Times. “Throughout our search, we have been focused on a candidate who will continue to emphasize community policing within our department. We are excited about the four final candidates and the qualifications they bring, and look forward to introducing the finalists to the community.”

South Pasadena Police Chief Art Miller | SouthPasadenan.com

About three week’s ago, South Pasadena public information officer John Pope said, “…there is no search to fill Chief Miller’s post at this time and it’s premature to plan to do so until a final decision is made by the Peoria leadership. Chief Miller is quite happy to be serving South Pasadena.  His interest in the potential position in Arizona happens to coincide with his retirement plans.”

Miller, who is often joined by his wife Linda at social events in the city, recently sold his California home and purchased new property in Arizona, where he’s talked about retiring in recent years.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com | Art and Linda Miller show shirts featuring pictures of outgoing Rotary president Dan Watson.