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Friday, April 11, 2014

Randy Miller Resigns as Chair of NorCo Police Chiefs

On April 9, former Northampton County Sheriff and Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randy Miller stepped down as Chair of the County Police Chiefs' Association. He did so after hearing that Executive John Brown refuses to work with him or any group in which he's involved. Rather than jeopardize the Police Chiefs' Association, Miller stepped down.

If what Miller heard is true, that is a bush league move. But Miller has reacted with the class and dignity he brought to his office and department.

For the past three years, I have taken great pride in leading this esteemed organization. It has been an honor and a privilege working with each and every one of you, and I feel it is my duty to explain the circumstances of my resignation. On March 14, 2014, I was contacted by a fellow chief and member who had recently met with the current Northampton County Executive, John Brown. This member informed me that Mr. Brown explicitly stated he would not work or meet with any committee that I was a part of, and if I participated in future endeavors it would compromise any involvement Mr. Brown or the county has in rectifying the current precarious situation with the Central Booking Center (CBC). As you know, I have and will continue to always put the safety of our community and fellow law enforcement members above any personal interests or opinions. If Mr. Brown feels that my presence in this association is more detrimental than the current issues that need to be resolved with the CBC, then I am willing to – albeit reluctantly – remove myself as to not hinder any future work or advancements this association is working towards. Despite his abrupt and unfounded act of removing me from the position of Northampton County Sheriff earlier this year, I will continue striving towards the utmost professionalism in all my endeavors. I would have welcomed a meeting to work with Mr. Brown as representative of this association on this issue or any other. However, it is abundantly clear that Mr. Brown does not feel the same. The Northampton County Chiefs Association may not be a county-run organization but I understand, as do all of you, cooperation and collaboration with the county and its representatives is key to our success. While I disagree with his stance, I recognize Mr. Brown as an important stakeholder in achieving this association’s goals. Unfortunately, he feels my role as part of the association will only handicap our working with the county going forward.

After 30 years in law enforcement and 15 years as an active member of this organization, this is not an easy decision for me to make, but I recognize the needs of the association and all our officers and deputies must take precedence over any personal issues.

I whole-heartedly thank you for the honor of being elected as your chairman for the past three years. I wish each and every one of you continued success in all of your endeavors and look forward to once again participating in the association if I obtain a future chief’s position in our county.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Could you elaborate on what the problems or concerns that the chiefs have with the central booking center. Isn't this run by the prison?

Bernie O'Hare said...

I have no idea and am unable to elaborate.

Anonymous said...

Randy Miller has more class and integrity in his little pinkie than brown will ever be able to muster

Anonymous said...

Miller must have arrested a friend or family member of Brown back in his patrolling days?
Just being a supporter of Callahan does not drive this much hatred.

Anonymous said...

Brown truly is a "little man" this makes no sense from an outsiders perspective.

Anonymous said...

John Brown HATES the law and police officers. He made it clear as mayor in Bangor by firing the police chief and running the dept into the ground. He (or his wife?) must have gotten a DUI or something to bring about this hatred. Its Browns' jihad against police!

Anonymous said...

Why not contact Lucy Lennon Im sure she knows???????

Anonymous said...

Hokie Joe says;
Brown should go see a "proctologist" to get his head out of his ass. You take a guy who has served his community with dignity and honor and treat him like a low life, blog writing, bottom feeder. just doesn't seem right.

Bernie O'Hare said...

7:18, Please leave John Brown's wife out of it, OK? Not cricket, old boy.

Also folks, we don't know what Brown really said. We know this got back to Randy, and he stepped down rather than hurt a worthy group. But he did not get this message directly, and in fairness to Brown, it may not be exactly what he said.

Anonymous said...

He's stupid for getting political. He may have class. But he's really stupid for getting political and being surprised at the outcome. He jeopardized the association by getting political and deserves no credit for doing the right thing. Randy's being disingenuous. He earned and deserves his fate. If Callahan had won, Randy would be just peachy. Oops.

Anonymous said...

Brown keeps it up we'll soon be thinking Glenn Reibman was the second coming of Ronald Reagan.

Bernie, you'll be in his cross hairs next if you already aren't.

Anonymous said...

Brown is still better than Stoffa but not by much.

Anonymous said...

Anythingg iss betterr thann Glenn Reibmann. Seriouslyy.

peter j. cochran said...

anon 654, that never happened. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has 67 counties. This county does not ELECT the SHERIFF and this is part of our problem. I won't bring up non returned phone calls to unimportant people at this time,but things come around . Miller ,by the way a family name of ours the former Sheriff is an articulate man on his own standings.IE;Domestic relations will need new people to do dead beat daddy work soon and they are not prepared for the void..Can the sheriffs dept handle it now? Like blaming HHS director for a ship she was issued ,with a large hole in the hull.Good luck Mr.Miller. Old Peter

Matt M. said...

I met Chief Miller in our Citizen's Academy, and he personally stayed an extra 20 minutes later than the scheduled session to answer everyone's questions to each citizen's satisfaction. He escorted 2 other citizens and myself out at around 9pm that evening and saw us to our vehicles.

It's a damn shame that Brown, who apparently couldn't say this to Chief Miller's face, forced a man of strong integrity to his last resort of resignation. I certainly hope he lands in a position suited to his talents.

Anonymous said...

Miller is all about himself and nothing else. As Sheriff, he was unable to surround himself with good people like he had in Bethlehem. Thus, he had to be involved in day to day issues and failed. The revenue generated from civil process has decreased by 30% despite more hirings. If this was a business, the civil sergeant would have been fired long ago. The department has more rank than some branches of the armed forces. A layperson is receiving the salary of a LT. since she failed to qualify with her handgun and her weapon was taken. Deputies are receiving overtime compensation to organize the union sponsored egg hunt. This list can go on, but being the fiscal watchdog Brown claims to be, it will soon stop.
Peter, The domestic relations situation was all Onembo. The director went along with it or she would have been out of a job. Constables actually lost money on this arrangement with all things considered. Onembo lied to all of you by saying the deputies no longer wanted the work. Hopefully no one serves the warrants.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, you forgot some facts for this story:

As Sheriff, Randy administered discipline upon a deputy for theft of a firearm, threatening criminal prosecution. When the firearm was found in a gun locker with proper documentation, Randy had to swallow his pride and dismiss the charge. However, both the Chief and inventory sgt. who had copies of the paperwork and knew of its whereabouts, and I believe one even conducted the false investigation, went unscathed of any sanctions. Why? Because both were his boys.
Sheriff Miller announced that no one with discipline would ever be any acting sergeant. The Union pres. was almost terminated for taking county property home without permission - a sheriff vehicle. When he crashed this vehicle on his way to work, he was to pay for the damage. He openly claims he never paid one cent towards this. Now he makes more as an acting sergeant than tenured sergeants. Why? Because he was bought by Miller to stop grievances matters from being filed.
Brown needs a new regime to run this department. And getting rid of Miller permanently is the right start. Kudos to Brown for sticking to his guns.

Anonymous said...

Brown has no class and lacks the confidence to have people with opposing ideas around him. he wants nothing but yes man around him and that will hurt in the long run. Brown is out of his depth.

Anonymous said...

anon 3:39.

Anything is better than your spelling, seriously!

Anonymous said...

11:28pm & 2:58PM Should have some dignity with theirselves. Its apparent they work in the sheriffs department. If your going to make comments like that you should have enough courage to put your name to it.

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