CLEARLAKE — Clearlake Police Department has named Officer Carl Miller as “Officer of the Year.” Miller, serves as the school resource officer for the Konocti Unified School District, and was selected for the award by his fellow officers at the department.
“Initially, it was quite a shock. I felt that numerous other officers in the department were worthy of this recognition. It is an honor and a privilege to have been selected by my fellow officers for this award,” Miller said. “It reinforces my determination to continue to serve the citizens of Clearlake respectfully, with dignity and pride.”
The Clearlake Police Department”s officer of the year is selected among nominations made by employees of the department. The nominations pass through the chain of command until final selection is made by the chief. Officer Miller was recommended for the award by Sgt. Brenda Crandall, who wrote: “During the past year, I have observed that Ofc. Miller consistently strives to meet employee expectations as he displays a positive attitude towards the department, acts professionally, arrives on time, ready to work and enjoys his job.”
Additionally, Crandall lauded Miller for finding time to make presentations to students, conducting tours of the police department for school-aged children and for assisting in writing a grant for a second school resource officer within the district.
“It is evident in reviewing Ofc. Miller”s work history for this year, that he not only meets expectations of the School Resource Officer, but he has stepped forward and assisted patrol in providing transport of prisoners when possible and working extra patrol shifts,” Sgt. Crandall said in her letter of recommendation.
Miller has been with the Clearlake Police Department for more than 5 years. He was asked what qualities he thinks makes for an officer of the year, he said, “Honesty and integrity, of course, but the most important part is that people feel comfortable when I show up at their house and that they can contact me, knowing that their voice will be heard. Being able to treat every person and every incident equally and without bias are admirable qualities as well.”
A benefit of serving a small town he said is the opportunity to develop personal relationships with the citizens he serves. “Because I”ve had an opportunity to get to know people, I have a history with them, which is essential to developing trust and the citizens knowing that I am accessible is important too,” he said. “By being able to contact me, they know that their needs are being met.”
Officer Miller has had the pleasure of serving as the school resource officer for the past year. He plans to serve in the position again in the next academic year. The opportunity he said has broadened his perspective on law enforcement. “Kids are our future and being able to make a connection with them at a young age helps them understand that police officers are there to protect them and their families,” Miller stated. “I enjoy being there to give future generations a better understanding of law enforcement, which typically results in a better respect for the law.”
Ofc. Miller admitted that getting started at the schools was a little tough. “The first couple of months were hard because I had to develop trust with the students. Now I can walk onto any campus and the kids will come up to me,” he said. “They aren”t afraid to say ?hi” and I”ve seen any fear they may have had for law enforcement diminish.”
Miller said he cherishes the relationship he”s made with the students and the staff throughout the district. “I love being able to take a couple minutes to shoot the ball with the kids or just sit down and draw with them during recess,” Miller said, adding that he even lets the kids call him “Pops” when the teachers aren”t around. “I might be old fashioned but the biggest gratification in my job is seeing children smile.”
Miller said some of his favorite things have been participating in the Every 15 Minutes program, umpiring football games and attending various sporting events and speaking at the Youth Achievement awards banquet. He said the thing he likes most though, (besides weekends off) is handing out ball cards to kindergartners at the schools.
Miller is a single parent of 12 years. He raised two boys, Brandon and Michael. Brandon is a 2005 graduate of Lower Lake High School, who is currently living in Maui, Hawaii. Michael carries a 4.12 grade point average and is expected to graduate from Lower Lake in 2009. In his off time, Miller enjoys hanging out with his sons and their dog Aimee and living on the lake, jet skiing locally and on various lakes in the region.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
