Double Oak Town Council unanimously voted to hire Daniel Miller as the next chief of police at its meeting Dec. 16.
The details
Miller’s contract includes a $127,000 salary with a monthly car allowance of $500.
Three residents turned out to the Dec. 16 meeting to express concerns about the hiring, particularly with Miller’s salary, saying it was too high. Town administrator Chris Laugenour said at the meeting that while the town hadn’t budgeted for a salary so high, it was still able to pay it because the department lacks two police officers.
Zooming in
Miller recently retired after serving 19 years with the Rowlett Police Department, where he was promoted through the ranks from the police academy to his final position of assistant chief of police.
In a letter to Laugenour, Miller said he was excited to see the listing for the top Double Oak Police Department position. Miller holds a master's degree in criminology, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a master peace officer certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, according to town documents.
"I have a passion for leadership, and I believe that I share the values of the town of Double Oak with my commitment to integrity, teamwork, leadership and professional development,” Miller said in his letter to Laugenour.
Zooming out
The town approved a contract in August with consulting firm Sierra Delta to coordinate the recruitment process for the new chief. Nearly 30 people applied.
After preliminary review, the top three candidates were selected to be interviewed by a panel of local police chiefs. A second interview was later conducted by the mayor, fire chief and town administrator. A final interview was conducted with the town council and town attorney. Through this process, Miller ranked as the top candidate.
What's next?
According to a Dec. 20 news release from the town, Miller will be introduced to the town council Jan. 6 and will be sworn in later that week.
