By Henri Gendreau

There’s a new sheriff in town.

Well, his deputy, that is.

Zach Miller, now in his seventh year at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), will be taking over the Gambier patrol beat in mid-March after Deputy Jason Wilson was promoted to a countywide position.

Miller, who hails from Licking County, graduated from Kentucky Christian University but “had a tough time finding a job that would pay the bills,” he said.

A friend of Miller’s who was a police officer in Kentucky was the initial inspiration for his entering the law enforcement field.
“When I couldn’t find a job I called him up and said, ‘Hey, is law enforcement worth it?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely.’ So that kind of piqued my interest. I signed up for the academy and never looked back,” Miller said.

Deputies with the KCSO patrol towns and villages throughout Knox County, and contract with local municipalities to provide service. The Village of Gambier reported at its monthly meeting Feb. 3 that Village administrators would be meeting with KCSO Sheriff David Shaffer about the transition. “Jason is a very good deputy and the Village has been very pleased with his efforts for keeping Gambier safe,” Village Administrator Suzanne Hopkins reported Monday.

Miller said keeping the Village safe was ultimately the goal for the deputies.

“When people see us, I want them to think that I’m not there to ruin their day. I’m here to make sure that they’re safe,” he said.

This will be the first time Miller will be out on patrol, having worked more with special details, such as in marine control.

“I’m excited. It’s something new. I’ve worked in the jail for six years, so this will be the first time out on the road,” Miller said.

Miller “is a very personable professional and seems eager to be in Gambier and work with the College and Campus Safety,” Bob Hooper, director of Campus Safety, said.

Miller encouraged students to approach him should they need help.

“If they have something that they can come to me, think that their cell phone got stolen, don’t be afraid to approach me and say, ‘Hey, I think my cellphone got stolen. Can I make a report?’ I’m more than willing to do that,” he said.

Patrolling Gambier, however, isn’t too novel to Miller. He worked at Commencement last year, and has been on hand during new-student move-in weekend.
“I really enjoyed interacting with college students,” Miller said. “I think it’s a great time in a person’s life. Especially for kids who are away from home for the first time, if they’re having a hard time adjusting or something, don’t be afraid to come up. I’ll have a conversation with you, whether it’s about the latest Ohio State game or whatever.”