First things first for Jeff Miller, who started work today as
Hollister’s chief of police: He wants to chat with all the
department’s employees.
”
So that we can talk, and we can get to know each other,
”
he said.
”
And I can hear what their concerns are. I want to open up that
dialogue right away and let them know we can talk anytime.
”
That’s refreshing news for Hollister officers, many of whom have
balked about past leadership.
First things first for Jeff Miller, who started work today as Hollister’s chief of police: He wants to chat with all the department’s employees.
“So that we can talk, and we can get to know each other,” he said. “And I can hear what their concerns are. I want to open up that dialogue right away and let them know we can talk anytime.”
That’s refreshing news for Hollister officers, many of whom have balked about past leadership.
Miller replaces former Chief Bill Pierpoint, who retired in March after a five-year tenure. Since April, Interim Chief Larry Todd has run the department while city officials searched for a permanent replacement.
The pursuit for a new chief, at times tumultuous, ended in early August when Miller, 45, accepted the position. Todd was especially happy with the city’s choice because he mentored Miller up the ranks when the two worked together at the Los Gatos Police Department.
For the first few days of this week, Todd will show Miller the local ropes. They will also tour Hollister and meet civic and business leaders, according to Todd, who will officially depart Thursday morning.
“It was never my intention to bring Jeff to the Hollister Police Department,” Todd said. “The fact that happened certainly is a rewarding feeling for me. But more importantly, I think it’s an excellent selection for the police department.”
On Friday morning, Miller was officially sworn-in during an emotional and upbeat ceremony in the City Hall Council Chambers. An audience filled the room that was made up of Miller’s family, Hollister leaders, employees and other friends and former co-workers of the new chief.
“This is a good day for Hollister,” said City Manager Dale Shaddox as he opened the ceremony.
Todd recited the swearing in. And afterward, Miller’s wife and youngest of three daughters pinned his badge to his uniform. The crowd applauded, as it did many times throughout the half-hour formality.
Then Miller spoke. First, he thanked Hollister Code Enforcement Officer Tim Burns, a former Los Gatos police officer who initially recommended the position to Miller.
He talked about the challenges facing the department, namely budget woes and a growing gang presence. And he talked about the future he envisions, where the police department maintains partnerships, “with all segments of the community to provide for the safety of everybody.”
Finally, he thanked the Hollister Police Department and its Police Officers Association (POA) – members of which were largely responsible for Miller’s final decision to take the job.
After a wave of negative criticism surfaced in July about Miller’s past as public safety director of Rohnert Park, causing Miller to subsequently decline Shaddox’s initial offer for the position, the Hollister POA was a driving force for Miller to reconsider the position.
POA members performed an independent background investigation of Miller and unanimously supported him as their top choice for the job despite critical remarks from Miller’s former subordinates.
“To the men and women of the Hollister Police Department and their police association,” Miller said, “for their overwhelming support, for the initiative they took in bringing me here, you have my eternal gratitude.”
Miller’s former co-workers who attended Friday’s ceremony included one from Rohnert Park and a handful from Los Gatos. After the swearing in, Miller hugged them.
Joe De Prima, currently a sergeant with the Los Gatos department, was a patrol officer when Miller was captain and second-in-command under Todd.
“He thinks outside the box,” De Prima said. “He’s a very intelligent man. I think he’s going to be able to solve whatever problems are thrown his way.”
Throughout the morning, an air of enthusiasm circulated through the Council Chambers. Sheriff Curtis Hill said he was anxious to cooperatively work with Miller. While HPD Capt. Bob Brooks said the department has been anxious for the change, and Miller is “ready to take the reins.”
Meanwhile, City Council members Pauline Valdivia and Robert Scattini remarked about the challenges awaiting Miller.
Scattini, the lone Council member to vote against Miller’s confirmation, expressed optimism, yet remained mindful of the tasks ahead.
“He is, no doubt, going to be watched by everybody in the City of Hollister, and I wish him luck,” Scattini said.
Miller will move to Hollister this weekend. His wife and daughter, who just started her freshman year of high school, will remain in Sonoma until January. His two other daughters currently attend college.
His wife, Madelynn, said she was “very pleased” with the large turnout Friday and was eager to move to San Benito County.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community, and our youngest daughter will be starting at the high school,” she said. “That’s a good place to get to know people.”
Hollister leaders, telling from the fervor expressed Friday, seemed excited to have them as well. Councilman Tony LoBue, who called Miller a “go-getter,” said he was confident the new chief would properly address the issues, namely the local gangs.
“Hollister is one of the safest communities among our neighboring cities,” LoBue said. “I’m encouraged with that. But we need to keep that momentum, that tradition, going for Hollister.”
