Miller Awarded Watauga Police Officer Of The Year


Eric Miller, a senior officer with University Police at Appalachian State University, has received the Watauga County Police Officer of the Year Award from the Boone Optimist Club. The award was presented during the club’s annual Respect for Law Week appreciation breakfast. Miller served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps attaining the rank of corporal. He joined University Police in 2004 after graduating from Wilkes Community College’s N.C. Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. Miller advanced to the rank of senior police officer in 2007 after completing more than 400 hours of law enforcement training.  He is certified as a general instructor, radar and Intoxilyzer operator and has completed several other courses involving DWI operations including the standard field sobriety course.  He recently received his Criminal Justice Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate and is working on becoming a specialized radar and standardized field sobriety instructor. Miller is a community policing liaison officer and works with students and University Housing staff. He also has worked with several community groups to reduce underage alcohol abuse and drunk driving. Miller is also a volunteer firefighter for the Creston Fire Department and is currently enrolled at Appalachian majoring in criminal justice.