From Staff Reports
Jerome Miller, the Apopka Police Department's Deputy Chief, announced his retirement at the December 4th City Council meeting during a Presentation of Weapon ceremony.
His final day at the APD is December 6th.
"Deputy Chief Jerome Miller has proudly served the Apopka Police Department and our community for over 28 years," said Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley. "His career has been defined by dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the City of Apopka.
According to McKinley, Miller worked his way up the APD ranks, starting as a Patrol Officer, then stepping into roles as a Community Policing Officer, School Resource Officer, Public Information Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and ultimately, Deputy Chief.
Miller was the first African American Deputy Chief at the APD.
In 2018, he graduated from the FBI National Academy, a professional course for law enforcement managers nominated by agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities.
"In each position, Deputy Chief Miller exemplified professionalism and integrity," McKinley said. "His contributions went far beyond enforcing the law—he sought to foster strong connections between the department and the community, ensuring that every resident felt valued and protected. While we are saddened to see him leave, we are equally proud of the new chapter he is embarking on."
According to McKinley, Miller will take over as Deputy Chief of the Orange City Police Department.
"For me personally, it has been an incredible honor to work alongside Deputy Chief Miller over the past nine years," McKinley said. "His steadfast support and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impression on me, and his presence will be deeply missed. I am confident he will thrive in his new role, and I wish him success as he embarks on this next chapter of his life."
Miller addressed the Council and audience with an eye to the future.
"I'd just like to say thank you for over the last 28 years of the support that you provided me and the men and women of the Apopka Police Department," he said. "You know, it's with mixed emotions that I stand before you here today, but the opportunity presented itself, and I think I just had to bite it and take that opportunity. But just like I told the men, women, and staff members (of the APD) yesterday, we have a lot of talent coming here. We're swearing in all these new officers. Regardless of what the naysayers say, just be encouraged and keep doing what you're doing because there are a lot of opportunities for coming here in the City and within the police department. Hopefully, we will build this building pretty soon to hold and house everyone we have. Again, I'd like to thank you and give a big shout-out to the late Joe Brown, who brought me here in 1996. Thank you."
This developing story will be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice.
