Palm Springs Police celebrates Chief Andrew Mills’ Legacy of Leadership
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Springs Police Department and community members gathered Thursday to celebrate Chief Andy Mills’ nearly five years leading the department as he prepares to retire.
The Palm Springs Convention Center hosted the special event, titled “Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership: The Mission Continues.” Hundreds of people attended to recognize Mills’ service and the impact he has had both within the department and throughout the community.
Special Report: PSPD Chief Andy Mills reflects on 49-year career as he prepares to retire
For Palm Springs resident Don Soja, Mills’ leadership helped bring people together while making the city safer.
“He has increased the safety in our city. He brought the city together as a whole and showed respect for the community, especially the LGBTQ community,” said Soja.
Mills’ work was also reflected on by the officers who worked alongside him.
Lieutenant Mike Torres spoke about Mills’ approach to leadership and the way he invested in the people around him.
“Leadership isn’t about creating people who you need together. It’s investing enough in yourself in people that when the time comes, they discover they’re stronger because you were there… Chief you did that for me,” said Torres.
Deputy Chief Kyle Stjerne, who is set to succeed Mills, also spoke about the example his mentor set for the department.
“These shoes may be easy to imitate but the example that Andy has set in so many ways will be considerably harder to emulate,” said Stjerne.
Mills’ influence was also recognized for work outside of the police department.
Dr. Terri Ketover, founder of ‘Do the Right Thing,’ highlighted the organization’s work with young people and families.
Mills’ wife, Cathy, was also recognized for her contributions to the community.
When Mills took the podium, he focused much of his remarks on the people he served and the officers who helped lead the department.
“Kathy and I are better people because of you and because of the caliber of the men and women who police this city,” said Mills.
As Mills prepares to leave, he said he believes the department is in good hands moving forward.
He will officially retire from the Palm Springs Police Department on September 5.
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