Phillip Allen Miller
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
On December 12, 1983 Officer Miller was dispatched with another officer to a reported intrusion alarm at the Westport High School, 39th and Oak. Upon his arrival, he spotted a burglar leaving the area and gave chase before his backup could arrive. After a brief foot chase, the officer apparently became involved in a fight with the suspect, at which time he was disarmed and shot with his own service revolver. Officer Miller died of his wounds on December 13, 1983. The fatal round entered between two panels of Officer Miller's vest.
Approximately one year later, the officer's gun was recovered, and the suspect charged. The suspect was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison.
Patrolman Miller had served with the agency for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
Reflections:
Phil was my very favorite cousin. Our mothers were sisters. There are not words to express the loss his family has suffered. The older I get, the more excited I become for that great reunion day in Heaven. I am thankful for the men and women who answer their calling by wearing their badge.
Tabitha Wrinkle
Cousin
I have so many memories of you, however the most prominent I remember to this day was the kindness that you showed my Mother whose car broke down and you were working an off-duty job. You took the time to help her out, said we knew each other and from that day forward she couldn't stop talking about you. As with many of us, her heart was broken when she received the news about you. Mom passed away August 31, 2017 however up to that very day when we were together she would remember and speak of your kindness. A true Policeman you were, and set an example for many of us to follow. God bless my friend.
P.O. Phillip Stockard - Retired
KCPD
I remember long practice sessions on the wrestling team at Westport High with you. You were quiet and all business and just a good guy. When I learned of your death I was living in North Dakota and deeply saddened by the news of your passing. You were so young and the loss to your family must have been devastating. I have thought of you often over the years... of the sacrifice you made and the man you would have become. Just last night I was telling a friend about you. You will always live on in my memory as a strong young man, dedicated to your family and driven by a sense of purpose that many of us can't duplicate if we live to be one hundred. So well done my friend.
Major Mike Stock
USAF - High School Friend
Phil, I had just arrived home from dispatching P.M.'s that night when I got the news. I have so many memories of you, however the most prominent I remember to this day was the kindness that you showed my Mother who's car broke down and you were working an off-duty job. You took the time to help her out, said we knew each other and from that day forward she couldn't stop talking about you. As with many of us, her heart was broken when she received the news about you. Mom passed away August 31, 2017 however up to that very day when we were together she would remember and speak of your kindness. A true Policeman you were, and set an example for many of us to follow. God bless my friend.
P.O. Phillip Stockard - Retired
KCPD
My friend, my next-door neighbor growing up and my classmate all through grade school and high school. I still think of you and our times together with very fond memories. I miss you and will always remember you. I am proud and honored to have called you my friend. I hope your family is well. May God bless your family as he has blessed all of us that knew you.
Paul Beitling
Friend
I knew Phil well, both as one of his adjunct academy instructors and as a co-worker and friend. Two nights before his death, Phil requested a CSI unit to process a burglary scene. I received the call. As on other occasions, it was also a chance for Phil and I to laugh and talk, to generally catch up on each other's life. Two nights later, as a CSI detective, I was involved in his murder investigation. It was a cruel reminder of the cost that this job can exact when we least expect it. Walk well, my Brother.
Donnie Bowerman, Detective (Ret.)
Kansas City, MO, Police Department
After all these years I have not forgotten Phillip, or his wife, who I worked with at the time he was killed in the line of duty. Many heartfelt thanks to a true hero who gave all to protect others. I pray all is well with his family today. Blessings from our Heavenly Father,
Jackie Brewer (was DuVal)
Family friend
I lived across the street from where Officer Miller died. I heard the gunshot. My husband and Officer Miller's partner were the first on the scene. I will never forget that night. A hero died protecting my neighborhood. Thank You Officer Miller and I will never forget you were taken unfairly and way too soon.
Debby Tangblade
Citizen
Phil was my first best friend. We were neighborhood friends before kindergarten. Phil, Greg, my brother Chris and all the neighboorhood kids played together on the corner in the old neighboorhood at 35th & Wyoming. Phil was a great guy and a good friend. We moved away in 1969 and I only saw him once at a Southwest / Westport football game after that. We had kids about the same age when I read about him in the papers. I have fond memories of him from my earliest of times and I miss him.
Conrad jones friend
Friend
Phil, I met you through a friend that worked at Metro Patrol Div. with you. I talked with you whenever I saw you while making prisoner transfers from Metro back to Grandview. You always made me feel welcomed. I was working the night you were killed. We had radio's in our cars back then where we could monitor Metro and South zones. I heard you get the prowler call to the school and your foot chase then the rest of the bad news. I can't understand why things happen this way however I can say it was an honor to of met you. You were a good cop and loved what you did. It was a shame you were taken from us so early in your career. I think about you and the other greater Kansas City area officers that were taken from us in the line of duty from time to time during the last 23 years of my career. Phil, I will always remember that awful night when you left us. Rest in peace Officer Phil Miller and contiue to watch over us here in the Kansas City area.
P.O. Randy Ellis
Grandview, Missouri Police Department
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