FARMINGTON—During the Feb. 4, 2025, City Council meeting, the community recognized the service and accomplishments of three distinguished members of the Farmington Police Department, Officer Eric Miller, retiring Chief of Police Eric Johnsen, and succeeding Chief of Police Austin Anderson. 

At the beginning of the presentation, Miller was recognized for his contributions to the Department in his position as the Farmington City Building Official. The Farmington Police Department maintains an annual tradition of presenting the flag that has flown over the station throughout the year prior to an officer whose outstanding service and dedication to their role has made a lasting impact on the department. Miller was recognized for faithfully caring for the Police Station and contributing to overseas maintenance since 1995. For his incredible commitment to the department over the last 30 years, he received last year’s flag from retiring Chief of Police Eric Johnsen. 

After presenting the flag and completing his final act as chief of police, Johnsen gave his remarks on his time with the department and his confidence in its future. 

“I’m super proud of this department,” Chief Johnsen said to the community members in attendance. “Super proud of who you’ve collected for me to hand it off to and mostly, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to you for your trust. Thank you for letting this be the capstone of my police career. It’s been unbelievable.” 

Johnsen then reflected on the support of his family and the sacrifices they made while he served in this capacity. 

“It’s not easy being the family member of a police officer,” he said. “This job takes your soul a little bit every day and that goes for my family too, especially my two youngest boys. They’re the ones that have been in the house while I’ve been chief, and they’ve taken the brunt of a lot of emotions that have come from what we’ve been through over the last few years – thank you, boys.”

In closing, Johnsen addressed the Farmington police officers who were in attendance during the meeting. 

“Definitely not least, but lastly, thank you to all of you – this unbelievable group of men and women,” he said. “It is just a privilege to be a police officer in Farmington and to have the relationship that we have with the community. We’re not the only city that has that, but I would argue that it’s unique. I take a lot of pride in that, and I know that you do too – thank you.”

Upon finishing his remarks, Johnsen received a standing ovation from the officers and community members in attendance. 

After the celebratory applause, Officer Austin Anderson was sworn in as Farmington City’s new chief of police. Anderson, who has served for 17 years with the Syracuse Police Department, received his badge from the City Council and solemnly pledged to uphold the constitution and to fulfill his role as chief with “pride, courage and professionalism.”