Full Notification

Commander Tom Milner is retiring from the City of Newark after serving nearly 29 years in law enforcement, with over 10 years as a member of the Newark Police Department. Tom’s last day with the department will be Tuesday, October 16, 2012.

Tom began his career in law enforcement with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department in December 1983. Tom worked as a Deputy Sheriff until he was hired as a Police Officer with the Berkeley Police Department in February 1985. As an Officer with Berkeley PD, Tom worked as a Patrol Officer and served in the Narcotics and Investigation Units.

Tom promoted to the rank of Sergeant with a transfer to the Sausalito Police Department in July 1995. As a Sergeant with Sausalito PD, Tom was assigned as the Patrol Watch Commander in addition to being the director of numerous Citizen Police Academies and taking part in community policing programs. He served with Sausalito PD until his promotion/hire with Newark Police Department as a Lieutenant on February 19, 2002.

As a Lieutenant, Tom served as the Administrative Lieutenant (2/02 – 7/08), Patrol Lieutenant (8/03 – 1/08), and Support Services Lieutenant (1/08 – 1/09). On January 1, 2009 the Lieutenant position was reclassified to the rank of Police Commander. As the Support Services Commander, Tom has been responsible for the SWAT team, Hostage Negotiations Team, Police Honor Guard, School-Law Enforcement Partnership, Special Enforcement Team, School Resource Officer, and the Major Crimes Task Force.

Tom has a Master’s Degree from St. Mary’s College in Leadership for the Public Sector. He successfully completed the FBI National Academy, class #225, in 2006. He is currently an instructor and area chairperson with the University of Phoenix as well as an instructor at Ohlone College.

Tom has been very active in the Newark Community. He has been a long standing member of the Newark Rotary Club and an active participant in the Newark Chamber. Tom has been recognized by numerous community groups for his participation in the Newark Memorial High School Annual Career Fairs, elementary school reading days, National Night Out events, Newark Optimist Celebrity Scoop, and many more.

Tom receive the Newark Police Departments Summer 2009 Employee of the Quarter award for his work in the coordinating and developing of the Newark Police Departments first Honor Guard Team. He was also recognized, along with the entire Honor Guard Team, with a City of Newark Pride Award in 2012.

On March 29, 2010 Tom was awarded the Chiefs Challenge coin of Special Recognition, along with his fellow commanders, for his outstanding work, loyalty to the organization, and tireless efforts in the development and promotion of our Mission, Vision, and Values. This coin is issued only to members who consistently perform at the exemplary levels or rise above with a single act of excellence.

Although Tom is retiring from Newark he plans to continue on with his law enforcement career as a Senior DA Inspector with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. We wish him well in his new career.