Salinas honors outgoing police chief

UPDATE 9/30/2016:

Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin retired from his post on Friday, after more than 32 years in law enforcement. His departure, which also fell on his 53rd birthday, comes one day shy of his 28th anniversary with the Salinas Police Department and four years after he took over as top cop.

KION was there during his final briefing on Friday.

“It’s hard to believe it’s my turn for a final briefing,” McMillin said in front of a packed city council chamber.

His career began in 1984 at the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, coming to Salinas four years later. He made lifelong friendships along the way, and on Friday several of his colleagues shared stories of him — part reminiscing, part roast. Several in particular include rear-ending a patrol car and a police pursuit that went awry.

Despite the laughter, some serious notes.

“We didn’t realize it and maybe didn’t agree with his decision,” Deputy Police Chief Dave Shaw said, “but Kelly was always looking out for us and had our best interest in mind.”

“I think each and every one of you owe him a bit of debt of gratitude because whatever’s been wrong, he’s taken the blame for it,” Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter said. “Every one of you. Every one of you that’s in uniform, every one of us that’s been elected, he’s put himself out there and been the front man. So that target on his back is going to be removed today, so we have to remind ourselves that we’ve been very fortunate.”

McMillin addressed the audience, thanking officers for their dedication, the community for their support and even the city council for holding his department to a high standard. Lastly, he addressed his wife and family, saying he knows how difficult it is to be a police officer’s wife and that “Baby, we made it.”

“I literally cannot put into words how deeply I love you (his wife, Teresa) and how much you mean to me,” McMillin said. “I wish Liam could be here today, so he could hear me say that you and he, our family, is my proudest achievement.”

Teresa McMillin said she was looking forward to having more time with him and traveling to the east coast to see their son, Liam, who is a cadet at West Point. She also joked that he has raked up a four-year long “honey-do” list.

“It’s been a great career,” Teresa said. “It’s been amazing but it’s been really, it’s been difficult. Difficult times but you know, he’s really proud of the Salinas police department and that will never end.”

According to another former Salinas police chief, Dan Ortega, there is life after retirement.

“You’re still part of the family, you still come to all these functions,” Ortega said. “If you stay in the area, you still see a lot of people all the time and you still get to spend all the time you want with your family, doing things you dreamed about doing when you were working. But at the same time, it never leaves your soul.”

Officers under his command offered congratulations.

“He’s been around my entire career so it’s sad to see him go but it’s also, I’m very happy for him that he was actually able to do his full 30 years plus,” Officer Angel Gonzalez said.

And McMillin’s final public words:

“I thank you for your support and your friendship, I wish you all the very best and a safe journey through life,” McMillin said. “May God bless you and may God bless the Salinas Police Department.”

ORIGINAL POST:

This was a big day for Kelly McMillin. Not only did he retire as Salinas Chief of Police, he also celebrated his 53 rd birthday.

City officials and fellow cops marked the occasion Friday with a ceremony in the Salinas City Council chambers. The event was part tribute, part roast, as friends shared stories of police pursuits gone awry and rear ending patrol cars.

McMillin thanked city leaders, the community, his officers and his wife and son.

“I know this. I love you all. I’ve never been so proud in my life to be your Chief of Police,” McMillin said. “I thank you for your support and your friendship. I wish you all the very best and a safe journey through life. May God bless you and may God bless the Salinas Police Department.”

McMillin’s replacement, Greenfield police chief Adele Frese, will take the reins mid-October.

Watch the story tonight at 5 and 6 on KION News Channel 5/46.