By Kimetha Hill
Contributing Writer
Richard Miller, Senior Pastor of Perfecting Grace Church, recently made history as he was promoted to Assistant Sheriff of San Diego County. Pastor Miller’s wife and First Lady of Perfecting Grace celebrated with her husband during the promotion ceremony. Pastor Miller comes into his new role as the first African American in this position, though this was not his first time making history. Before his promotion, he was the first African American Commander for the Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant Sheriff Miller joined the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department in 1992. As a Deputy Sheriff, Miller was assigned to the Detention Training Unit, San Diego Central Jail Transition Team, the old and new Central Jail, George Bailey and South Bay detention facilities. During this time he served as Jail Training Officer, Academy Training Officer, Corporal, Pro-per Deputy, Clinic Deputy, and SRT member.
In 1999, Miller was promoted to Sergeant and served at the George Bailey Detention Facility. He served as Team Sergeant and Facility Training Sergeant. Then in 2002, Miller was promoted to Lieutenant and remained at George Bailey Detention Facility until 2003. After being transferred to East Mesa Detention Facility where he served as Facility Commander, he was assigned to the Inmate Services Division as Assistant Manager of Operations in 2004.
In 2006, Miller was promoted to Captain where he was assigned to the Vista Detention Facility where he served as Facility Commander. In 2008, Miller was promoted to Commander and in 2014 he was appointed Assistant Sheriff by Sheriff Bill Gore.
Richard Miller is also the Founder and Senior Pastor of Perfecting Grace Church in Spring Valley, CA, where he has served since May 6, 2012.
