THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9604300113
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Several months ago, Michael Milner was attending the police academy in Hampton to prepare for his new job as a Smithfield police officer.
Today he's gearing up for the department's new bicycle patrol.
Milner is one of two Smithfield officers who has received police bicycle training from the Norfolk Police Department's certified bicycle school.
Milner joined the Smithfield Police Department in January, delaying the completion of his master's degree in exercise science at Old Dominion University.
``The offer was just too good to pass up,'' Milner said. ``The master's degree would have been just another credential. Law enforcement is my calling.
``I've always been interested in investigative work. I like solving puzzles.''
Prior to his Smithfield employment, Milner served as an Air Force security police officer for three years.
Milner said he was attracted to Smithfield's small-town atmosphere and friendly people.
He recently participated in Smithfield's 10-Miler, finishing in the top one-third of the 150 runners participating.
``I wanted to finish under one hour and 15 minutes, and I finished in one hour and 13 minutes. But my days are structured around my running and workouts.
``Between police work and exercising, there's not much time for anything else.''
Name: Michael Milner.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? I like the small-town environment.
Birthdate: Sept. 30, 1969.
Hometown: Born in Florida and raised in Newport News.
Fondest childhood memory: Spending my early years near Cape Canaveral watching rocket launches.
Marital status: Single.
First job: Twirling cotton candy at Busch Gardens.
Occupation: Smithfield police officer.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? None.
Favorite hangout: My living room.
Favorite night out on the town: A quiet evening at home watching my favorite shows.
Favorite food: Pizza - but only once a month.
Favorite movies/TV shows: ``The Right Stuff'' and ``Columbo.''
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Mountain climbing in the Colorado Rockies.
I can't resist: Going fishing on a nice day.
Most embarrassing moment: None worth mentioning.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Pay my bills and loans and resume a normal life.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Never place personal gain above personal honor - VMI honor court.
What's the best thing about yourself? My ability to keep things in perspective.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Professional cyclist Lance Armstrong - he gets paid to ride a bike.
What achievements are you most proud of? Being a distinguished graduate and distinguished Air Force ROTC graduate from VMI. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Michael Milner
by CNB