Millin settling in as Mar-Mac police chief
Robert Millin is the new chief of the Mar-Mac Unified Police District. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
Robert Millin began full-time duties as chief of the Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District on Oct. 22, and is settling in well.
“Everyone’s been really welcoming and appreciative,” he said. “Right now, I’m just trying to get organized and figure out where everything is.”
Millin is a native of the area, graduating from Prairie du Chien High School in 2002. He then earned a degree in criminal justice from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.
“It was something I’ve always wanted to be,” shared Millin, who said his interest in law enforcement was piqued by family members who served. He also had fond childhood memories of field trips and Cub Scout visits “going back to the old cop shop on Prairie Street.”
Millin’s first job in law enforcement came in 2005, when he worked part-time for the Prairie du Chien Police Department. He followed that with a stint at the casino in Marquette, working surveillance for a few years, then moved on to the Lansing Police Department, serving as interim chief for a portion of that time. In 2012, Millin joined the Missouri Valley Police Department, near Council Bluffs, holding that post until becoming Mar-Mac police chief this fall.
For the past two years, Millin said he’s sought a position that would bring he and his family—wife Elyse and kids Karter (10), Kayli (9) and Zoey (4)—back to the area.
The Mar-Mac Police Department seemed like a good fit.
“Mar-Mac was actually the first law enforcement job I ever applied for, back when Randy Grady was chief,” he remarked.
Millin said he’s excited to serve as chief, and isn’t intimated by the title. He’s already accustomed to many of the duties.
“The main difference is the budget,” he said, “but I had some experience with that in Lansing. That opportunity got me ready.”
Millin said he’s aware of the police department’s recent history, and he’s eager to restore its reputation.
“This is an opportunity to bring a new perspective and a fresh face,” he said. “I want to help get it back to where it belongs.”
He’ll help do that by being more active in the community. That began Oct. 27, when the department held a Drug Take Back Day event at the McGregor Public Library.
“It had a good turnout, and I think people were happy we were doing this,” Millin said.
The Mar-Mac Police Department Facebook page and website will also become more active. Millin is considering adding other outreach activities, like Coffee with a Cop.
Heading into the slower winter season, Millin said he’ll take the time to assess the department and plan ahead.
“The main thing is, people are going to see us out there. We’ll do what we can,” he stated.
“I hope [residents] give me a shot. I’ll be as transparent as I can,” he added. “I’m always a phone call or email away.”
