Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – June 12, 2024 – After retiring as longtime Jonesboro Fire Chief two years ago, Kevin Miller is seeking to continue his public service career on the Jonesboro City Council.

On June 12, Miller officially announced his campaign for the seat being vacated by Mitch Johnson who has held Ward 4, Position 2 since 2005. Johnson’s term expires on December 31, 2024 and he is not seeking re-election. The council positions up for election this year are available for city-wide vote and not restricted by ward.

“For 35 years my job was to keep people in Jonesboro safe,” Miller said. “I loved my job, but most importantly, I love Jonesboro. As the Chief and manager of the fire department for over a decade, I believe my experience will be a benefit to the community and the City Council.”

During his time as Jonesboro Fire Chief, Kevin Miller was responsible for the daily management and budgeting of the Jonesboro Fire Department. Under Miller’s tenure, Jonesboro moved from a Class 3 ISO fire response rating to a Class 1 ISO rating — the top achievable status.

“Running a fire department was more than a job to me,” Miller said. “It was a commitment to public safety. I’m proud of the job our city has done over the years to address pay and staffing issues with first responders and the increased focus on public safety. I want to continue that focus by serving on the city council.”

Miller is a third-generation, lifelong Jonesboro resident, with a legacy of service in his family line. “My father was a volunteer firefighter and as a young boy I spent much of my time around the fire station, and at age 18 joined the Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department,” Miller said. “My wife and my two daughters are nurses. You could say serving is just a way of life for the Miller family, and we’re honored to do so.”

After graduating from Jonesboro High School, Miller studied engineering at Arkansas State University before joining the Jonesboro Fire Department in 1987. During his 35-year career as a firefighter, Miller earned distinguished honors multiple times for “Firefighter of the Year” and “Outstanding Instructor of the Year.” In 2019 he received the “Thomas E. Cole” memorial service award and the Fire Chief of the Year award in Arkansas. He was inducted into the Arkansas State Firefighters “Hall of Fame” in 2022.

Once on the council, Miller said his priorities will be continuing to build trust in the community, ensuring tax dollars are managed efficiently and supporting investments in recreation and quality of life in Jonesboro.

“I want to help make Jonesboro a better city for future generations,” Miller said. “I understand how government functions and how important it is to plan with the big picture in mind and I will do everything I can to make sure we are the type of city that our kids and our grandkids want to build a life in.”

Miller and his wife, Rhonda, are the parents of 3 children (Mallory, Madison & Montgomery), all of Jonesboro, and the proud grandparents of 5 grandchildren.

Information from Kevin Miller Campaign.