GONZALES — After a 34-year career with the Gonzales Police Department, former Chief of Police Paul D. Miller is now enjoying retirement life.
Miller, who announced his retirement last month, started as a Police Reserve Officer in 1983 before moving up through the ranks. He became a Patrol Officer and a full employee of the City of Gonzales on April 1, 1985.
Miller served the city as a Police Sergeant until he was promoted to Police Chief on Oct. 19, 2007. His last day with the department was April 8.
While protecting the city, Miller lived and raised his family in Gonzales. With 34 years of service, Miller holds the record of being the longest-tenured sworn employee of the Gonzales Police Department.
“When Chief Miller was appointed to lead the Gonzales Police Department, he immediately enhanced the success of the Gonzales Police Department and continued to instill professionalism, integrity and outstanding public service,” said Special Projects Director Mark Hartunian. “His integral role in the planning and construction of the new Gonzales Police Emergency Services Building is illustrative of the dedication and leadership Chief Paul Miller provided to the City of Gonzales.”
Chief Miller had surgery on his shoulder that kept him out of the office just before his retirement and was part of the reason he retired when he did. But, in the future he hopes to find ways to help out the community he loves and continues to live in.
“Not sure what I’m going to do yet. Probably look for somewhere to work a few days,” Miller said. “I would love to still get involved in the Gonzales community. Lived here for 32 years, it’s our home.”
He continued, “I miss helping our residents and solving problems. But what I miss most were the people I worked for and with. I sometimes think we don’t know how lucky we are to live or work here.
“We have a city council and a city manager who are guiding us into some great times in Gonzales. We have city employees, all of them, who work hard to make this city a safe and great place to raise a family. I’m really going to miss working with the team,” Miller added.
Miller is still adjusting to retired life. He has been doing some traveling and work around his house, and looks forward to his shoulder fully healing so he can get back into golf. But, for now, he’ll be content watching his Dodgers play.
