Jul 12, 2016 3 min read

CARMICHAELS – Cumberland Township officials are reluctantly searching for a new police chief to head the department.

Chief Craig Miller submitted a letter to the township supervisors June 22 stating he plans to leave his position effective Oct. 1 and return to the role of patrolman within the department.

He said Tuesday there were a “couple things professionally and personally that I think it’s the right move at this time,” although he declined to elaborate. Miller has served as chief since June 2009.

“I think, at this point, it’s the best move for me and the department as well,” Miller said.

The township supervisors voted during their Monday afternoon meeting to advertise the position to solicit résumés and applications for those interested in becoming police chief.

“We don’t want him to go,” township Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Groves said. “I don’t know why. I’m as baffled as you are. We think he does a great job, but if those are his wishes…”

Cumberland Township police Sgt. Bryan Smith attended the meeting in lieu of Miller and vouched for the chief’s dedication to the department, while also asking the supervisors to see if they could persuade him to reconsider.

“I think he’s a great asset to the department and the township,” Smith said.

Miller said there has been “an accumulation of a couple different things” recently and he does not expect to change his mind. He said staffing levels in the department could be improved, but that was not the specific reason for his decision. He’s now looking forward to returning to full-time patrols as the department’s K-9 handler beginning in October.

“I gave a few months so it wouldn’t be a quick turn around and wouldn’t leave the township in a bad spot,” Miller said. “We’ll carry on business as usual until someone else takes over. Then I’ll still do the daily patrols and help the new chief any way I can.”

In addition to Miller’s departure, the department will face another significant blow later this year when the township’s police dog, Artis, is expected to retire from duty. Miller, the dog’s handler, said the animal is 10 years old and is nearing the end of its working tenure, although the animal is still healthy and will continue living with Miller.

Groves said the search is now beginning to find Miller’s replacement, although he did not have a timeline on the process.