Salem Police Chief Susan Miller announced her resignation as Police Chief effective January 3rd at Monday night’s city council meeting.
Miller who is in her 29th year at the Salem Police Department says it was not her plan to stay in the position for only two months and cited personal reasons for the decision to step down. While Miller will officially leave her post on January 3rd, she will still be available to answer questions and help with the transition.
The city council also approved Detective Sergeant Tyler Rose as the new Deputy Chief. Miller says Rose has been leading the city’s training efforts and has been working hand in hand with her on the department’s computer systems. Rose has been Detective Sergeant since January 2023, became sergeant six months earlier, and joined the Salem Police Department in October 2017. Rose worked for five years before that as a Farina officer and 1.5 years as an Altamont officer. He was also a past part-time Marion County Sheriff Deputy.
Miller feels she is leaving the department in good shape.
“The city is phenomenal about paying us money to train, paying money to get us the classes,” Miller said. “We are in compliance with mandates months ahead of schedule. Our dispatch is fantastic, we’re recognized in the state for our training program and our 911 service. We’ve got some of the best qualified and skilled officers around. I would put us up against any other agency in the area. We’ve got young officers who just want to serve the community well. They truly do care about the people and community.”
Mayor Nic Farley is disappointed with the loss of Miller.
“I’m very sad to see you go. I’ve worked with you for a number of years and have a great deal of respect,” Farley said. “I do like her pick in Tyler Rose, I think he will be great in that position and I’m interested to see what the search process unveils for our new chief.”
The city council voted to hire Arndt Municipal Services at a cost of $21,500 to lead the search for a new chief. Farley says the company hopes to have someone to recommend in March.
The council also announced a new patrolman has been hired who will begin academy training in January. The city is still looking to fill one additional patrolman slot.
