The Black Diamond police force is again at full strength, thanks to the recent addition of Jeff Miller as the department’s second-in-command.

Miller was picked from a field that numbered in the dozens to be the police department’s new commander. Chief Jamey Kiblinger said applications flooded in from all over the country

“The personal fit is huge,” Kiblinger said, explaining how Miller’s name floated to the top. Also, she appreciates the fact that Miller watched Bonney Lake boom, acknowledging that Black Diamond is expected to experience a similar growth spurt.

In his new role, Miller will directly supervise the department’s two sergeants, help shape the annual budget and tackle administrative tasks as directed by the chief.

While emphasizing his Bonney Lake experience was nothing but positive, Miller called the Black Diamond job “an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.”

Kiblinger’s husband is a police officer in Bonney Lake, so a personal connection existed and Miller was encouraged to apply for the commander’s post. “After long consideration, I put in for it and here I am,” Miller said.

He had spent 16 with the Bonney Lake department, joining the force as a reserve officer in 1992. He was hired full-time in 1996, was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2001 and advanced to detective sergeant three years later.

“I never thought I was going to leave Bonney Lake,” the the 37-year-old Miller said. “I thought I’d retire there.”

Making the decision to leave difficult, he said, was the fact that his wife also works for the Bonney Lake Police Department.

“That’s a dynamic we had to deal with,” Miller said, noting the couple had no problems working in close proximity. Working apart, he said, has required some adjustment on both their parts.

With Miller’s appointment, the Black Diamond force is back to its traditional roster of 12. Aside from Kiblinger and Miller, there are two sergeants and eight officers.

The department has been shorthanded for all of 2008, as Kiblinger stepped up from her commander duties and began serving as acting chief in January. She received a permanent appointment in May and the commander position was vacant until Miller’s Aug. 12 arrival.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.