Police captains call it a career

DOWNEY - Two members of the Downey Police Department administration, each longtime members of the local community, recently retired.Captain Michael J. Miller retired June 12 after 41 years with the Downey Police Department. Captain Jim McCulloch's last day was June 1. The Downey Police Department provided brief biographies on both men, which we reproduce here: Michael Miller Born in Los Angeles, Mike grew up in Downey and continues to make Downey his home. Hired in May of 1969, Mike graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy in November 1969. Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Miller has worked in all three divisions of the Police Department in a variety of assignments, including Accident Investigator, Field Training Officer, Narcotics Detective, Burglary Detective, Homicide Detective, Traffic Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Special Operations Lieutenant, Detective Captain, Patrol Captain and Administrative Captain. Mike's counsel and insight have been invaluable to the Downey Police Department. With his vast amount of experience, he has been a coach and mentor to all those who have been fortunate to have served under his command. Since its founding in 1957, the Downey Police Department has had nine Police Chiefs; Captain Michael J. Miller has the distinction of being the only department member in our history to have served under the command of all nine Chiefs. The Downey Police Department congratulates Captain Miller for over 41 years of loyal and outstanding service to the Department and the Downey community. Jim McCulloch Jim McCulloch was born and raised in Downey. Since taking his oath as a police officer, Jim has served the Downey Police Department and the community with dignity and professionalism and has dedicated himself to making the City of Downey a great place in which to live and work. Throughout his memorable career, Captain McCulloch has worked in all three divisions of the Police Department, and has excelled in a variety of assignments, including Patrol Officer, Motor Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Detective Bureau Lieutenant, Administrative Division Lieutenant, Administrative Division Captain and Detective Division Captain. Jim holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Redlands (1999) and has completed law classes at Western State Law School in Fullerton. Jim plans to complete law school upon his retirement. Professionally, Jim takes with him a great deal of knowledge and experience. He has been a stabilizing force within the organization and has served as a mentor to those who have served under his command. Jim has been a great friend and role model to all those who have known him. On behalf of the men and women of the Downey Police Department, congratulations and thank you for your service to the City of Downey, the Downey Police Department and Law Enforcement.

********** Published: June 17, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 9