U.S. Marshal of West TN inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy to seek justice
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — WREG is sharing the stories of Memphians inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would have turned 95 years old last month.
U.S. Marshal for West Tennessee Tyreece Miller was also motivated by Dr. King and is on a mission to seek justice for all.
When you first meet Miller and walk into his downtown Memphis office, you’ll see a bookshelf filled with memorabilia, badges, and coins. You can instinctively tell structure, organization and a service-oriented mindset are part of his DNA.
“I’ve always been that person who thrived off of discipline, structure, and authority. I relish that lifestyle,” said Miller.
That lifestyle and interest in public service began when Miller was at North Side High School in his hometown of Jackson, Tennessee.
Stolen, illegal guns fuel shootings in Memphis
Even at a young age, he began preparing for the U.S. Marine Corps and eventually joined the military after graduation.
“I knew I had to be prepared. While others were going on college visits, I was getting my body and my mind prepared for the mental toughness I was going to have to endure,” said Miller.
After enduring four years in the Marine Corps, Miller came back home and thought long and hard about either being a firefighter or a police officer.
He applied to both, but the Jackson Police Department called him first.
“I really found my passion is for speaking for those who were not able to speak for themselves,” he said.
His law enforcement career began in 1997 as a patrol officer, climbing the ranks working in narcotics and investigations into violent crimes to help find justice for families who had lost a loved one.
“I knew I had that burning passion within me to look them in the eye and say I’m sorry your family member is no longer here, but I promise you we’re going to do everything humanly possible to find their killer and bring them to justice,” said Miller.
After 23 years with the Jackson Police Department and being promoted to deputy chief, Miller had another calling. It was to work for the U.S. Marshal’s office.
It is an agency with a storied American history, known for rescuing missing children and capturing fugitives, such as in recent high-profile cases, like the killing of rapper Young Dolph, and the kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher.
“Finding fugitives no matter where they were, you know anywhere they would run, the U.S. Marshals would find them, and that kind of fed the passion I had, as far as bringing killers to justice,” said Miller.
His passion for justice, work ethic, and community involvement got the attention of Tennessee Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn. They nominated Miller, and he was appointed by the White House to become U.S. Marshal for West Tennessee on July 10, 2020.
“It says to me that a man that came from very humble beginnings can receive a presidential appointment, you don’t have to be a political person,” he said.
As a person who also takes pride in being a family man, a husband, and a father, Miller says it keeps him grounded.
“The most important title I have is dad and I love that. It doesn’t matter what I do, my kids are going to love me regardless. I can be an officer or U.S. Marshal, I’m still going to be dad,” said Miller.
Outside of his office, photos of other U.S. Marshals line the wall in the hallway. One of Miller’s inspirations is Frederick Douglass, who became the first African-American to be appointed as U.S. Marshal in 1877. He was appointed by President Rutherford B. Hayes.
“I think about what we persevered, you know, being a former slave (Frederick Douglas). I have to succeed in this job because he paved the way for me,” he said.
📲 Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather.
📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.
📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.
Miller is paving the way for others, knowing the importance of Black History Month and giving back. You’ll find him mentoring different groups of young men and women throughout West Tennessee.
He says his favorite quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and it’s one he has tried to live by.
“He basically gave his life by coming here to Memphis to speak out about the injustices sanitation workers were experiencing here,” said Miller. “That’s someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man all because he wanted them to be treated fairly and equally.”
Inspired by Dr. King, U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller is a man with a service-oriented mindset on a mission to seek justice for all and motivate others.
“For me, it’s not a job. It’s a passion. It’s a calling. Law enforcement and serving others is my calling,” he said.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
