Interview with 8th Dist. Police Sgt. Miller
By Mari Kornhauser and B.B. St. Roman

Where did you grow up?

In a little town called Laranger, north of Hammond.

Who lives with you at home?

I'm single but I'm raising my two daughters, ages 14 and 16.

When did you join the NOPD?

August, 1982.

What made you decide to join?

I was a paramedic at Charity, then I became a paramedic with NOPD. While I was taking a course at the Police Academy, they did away with the EMS portion of the NOPD, so I became an officer.

When did you come to the 8th?

The first time I was here was from 1983 to 1985, but it was called the 1st District back then. I came back as a Sergeant in 2000.

How is the 8th District different from other districts?

Here we deal with a lot of diversified lifestyles - an open gay community, tourists, the homeless, businesses and residents. In most places you don't have an open gay community or tourists. Here we don't have the types of crimes other districts have, like murders and domestic violence. So here young officers don't get some of the experience they need.

How do you feel you can best serve the 8th District?

I like Jackson Square. You get to meet a lot of tourists, and the residents around there are really fantastic people. I want to keep Jackson Square safe for the tourists and the residents.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

When I get a "Thank You" from someone.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

Doing a thankless job.

What is one of your funniest experiences on the job?

When (Officer) Scott Monaco almost took his head off running from a rat by the Riverwalk!

What's your favorite food?

Pasta.

What's your favorite music?

Country and western.

What's your favorite cop show or movie or book?

I don't watch cop shows.

If there is one thing you want people to know about you, what would that be?

I'm fair and honest. I shoot straight from the hip. I don't care if you own the Superdome or live on a bench, if you do something wrong, that's it.

If there is one thing you could change in this city, what would that be?

I'd love for people to just get along.

Note: Look for Sgt. Miller at Jackson Square in the late afternoons and early evenings, and be sure to tell him "Thank You!"