Walt Miller (center) is shown after being sworn in as police chief in 2022. He will retire at the end of the year.
Evesham Police Chief Walt Miller announced at a council meeting earlier this month that he will retire from the department at the end of the year.
During his portion of the meeting, the chief reminded residents of several upcoming community events involving his department, including pizza with police on Thursday and the township’s holiday light parade on Saturday.
Miller noted that since the next council meeting will be his last, he will go more into detail at that session about his more than two decades in law enforcement.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve this community for 28 years,” he said, “and the opportunity to serve as chief for the last portion of my career. It’s been an honor to say the least. It makes you a little nostalgic when you get to this point. You look back and start thinking about things that you probably hadn’t thought about in a while.
“I’m the last police officer to retire that worked in the old building,” Miller added. ‘I remember coming (to the current municipal building) when it was just all steel. Now, we moved here in ’98, and what it’s become, it’s been cool to see.”
Miller then took a moment to commend the police staff for their commitment to the community.
“This department is the pinnacle of policing in the nation,” he explained. “It’s not because of me; it actually has little to do with me. We have a team that is the best and brightest in law enforcement. They accomplish most of the things I stand here and talk about. They’re positioned well when I leave, which is very reassuring.
“The community … the police department … you’re going to be in good hands with what you have,” Miller promised. “Evesham is like my team, so it’s a little tough to walk away from that component of it. I do thank them for trusting and supporting me. Together we made Evesham a great place to live, work and play. For that I’m grateful.
“I’m happy,” he said finally. “I’m leaving here wanting to do more, but I know that it’s time to move on and start another chapter. But Evesham will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
