Officer John Miller R.I.P.

**Illiy** · 11-17-07, 11:18 PM

LIVERMORE, Calif. -- Flags at the state Capitol are being flown at half-staff for a Dublin California Highway Patrol officer who died in a vehicle collision Friday night just north of Livermore, officials with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office announced Saturday.

At about 9:15 p.m., Officer John Miller was traveling southbound on North Livermore Avenue about a mile north of Interstate Highway 580 while trying to locate a suspected impaired driver, according to CHP Officer Steve Creel.

The 32-year-old Lodi resident approached a sharp curve in the road, lost control of his vehicle and fatally struck a tree, Creel said.

"Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the loss of Officer Miller who gave his life in the line of duty while honorably protecting his fellow citizens," Schwarzenegger said in a prepared statement. "California's law enforcement officers protect our communities day in and day out and words cannot adequately express how grateful we are for their service and sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Miller's loved ones as they mourn the loss of a son, father, friend and fellow officer."

The suspected impaired driver was arrested near Greenville Road shortly after the fatal collision, according to Creel.

Miller had been with Dublin CHP since he graduated from the CHP academy in March. He is survived by his wife Stephanie and a son and a daughter.