Officer Phillip Miller was shot by a burglary suspect after responding to an intrusion alarm at a school.

On December 12, 1983 at 11:51 pm, Officer Miller was dispatched with another officer to a reported intrusion alarm at the Westport High School, 39th and Oak. Following his arrival, he observed a burglar leaving the area and gave chase before his backup could arrive. After a brief foot chase, the officer became involved in a fight with the suspect at 410 E. 40th Street, was disarmed and shot with his own service revolver sustaining a single gunshot wound to his left side. The round entered between the two panels of Officer Miller's vest. Officer Miller died of his wounds on December 13, 1983 at 1:15 am.

Approximately one year later, the officer's gun was recovered, and the suspect, Ronnie Trotter, charged and sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison.

Patrolman Miller had served with the agency for 5 years. He was voted most school spirited of his high school class at Westport in 1974. He was survived by his wife and daughter. Interred: Plad Cemetery, Plad, Missouri.