Retired East Hampton Police Officer Thomas Miller Has Died

Thomas Miller, a well-known retired East Hampton Town police officer, died early Monday. He was 56 and had cancer. 

East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo announced Mr. Miller's death on the department's Facebook page as word began to spread throughout East Hampton, where Mr. Miller lived with his wife, Lianne, at Oak Dale Farm on Three Mile Harbor Road. 

In an email Monday afternoon, Chief Sarlo remembered the former officer, known as Tommy or Bubba, as a true local. He was a 13th-generation Bonacker. "He was a part of the community in so many ways. He knew everyone and spent a great deal of time building relationships on the job. If we all got out of the patrol car and talked to people as much as he did, we'd all be better at our jobs," the chief said. 

Mr. Miller retired about 13 years ago. 

He was remembered for his sense of humor and how he always spoke his mind — "regardless of what you may think of his opinions," Chief Sarlo said. Even so, he was well liked and popular with his fellow officers. "He used to host big barbecues and lobster bakes at his family farm and loved the company of friends. I have fond memories of the laughs we shared on midnight shifts in Montauk at the old Salivar's for breakfast." 

Mr. Miller was "a cherished member of our department alumni, and we will all miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," Chief Sarlo said. 

In addition to his wife of 22 years, Mr. Miller is survived by twin daughters, Michelle Miller and Lisa Moser, and a son, Charlie Miller. 

A service has been scheduled for Saturday at the Amagansett Fire Department from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check back here for further details.