Local news- Press Release
City of Goodyear Arizona - Goodyear Police Chief Announces Retirement Interim Chief Hired 18 January 2024 ( news )
City of Goodyear , state Arizona ( By Press Release office)
Jan 18,2024
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Goodyear Police Chief Santiago Rodriguez has announced that after 26 years with the Goodyear Police Department , he is soon retiring . City Manager Wynette Reed has already hired Interim Chief Art Miller to lead the department during this transition period .
"I would like to thank Chief Rodriguez for his years of service and his leadership . Keeping our residents safe has always been his top priority , " said Wynette Reed . "Chief Miller has a wealth of experience and will keep Goodyear police moving in the right direction as we look for a new chief . " Reed added that hiring an interim chief will allow the city to take its time to conduct a thorough recruitment .
Chief Rodriguez was hired as a reserve officer with the city in 1998 . Throughout his career , he progressed through the ranks in the traffic and patrol divisions , as a sergeant working criminal investigations , in community services and as a school resource officer . From there , he moved into the role of lieutenant , deputy chief and eventually chief in 2019 .
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the men and women of the Goodyear Police Department . Their hard work and dedication to our citizens have been instrumental in my success . It has been an honor to work alongside such remarkable individuals in our efforts to better serve and protect the community , " said Chief Rodriguez . "I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the mayor , city council , citizens and the community for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this exceptional team . Your trust and support are the foundations on which we continue to build a safer and stronger community . I ask everyone in our community to continue supporting our amazing police force; they are the backbone of our neighborhoods . Their honor , trust and dedication to keeping us all safe is truly awe - inspiring . I’d also like to express my deep appreciation to my amazing family for their constant support and sacrifices throughout my career . Their confidence has been instrumental , and I am grateful beyond measure for their unwavering support . ”
Chief Miller recently retired from Peoria where he was the chief for five years .
“I am honored to be selected to lead the Goodyear Police Department . It is my plan to build on the successes of the department and give its members the flexibility to continue on that path , " said Chief Miller . "I am committed to working collaboratively with our community , city leaders and other stakeholders to move our department forward . Our role is to create an environment where anyone who lives in , works in or visits Goodyear feels a sense of safety and security . "
Chief Miller began his career in law enforcement with the Los Angeles Police Department where he served for 35 years in a variety of assignments throughout the city . His last assignment was Captain of the Metropolitan Division which oversees SWAT , K - 9 , dignitary protection , citywide crime suppression and the equestrian unit . From there , he served as South Pasadena ' s police chief for five years before moving to Peoria .
"My first priority as chief is to learn and understand the culture of the organization . I believe that the success of any organization relies upon the creativity and ingenuity of its people . I will continually make it a priority to ensure that our personnel receive the best training , are equipped with state - of - the - art technology and remain consummate professionals . I believe the best of times are ahead for our department , ” said Chief Miller .
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