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Chief Thomas Miller Dies in Early-Morning Crash with House

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. ller-dies-in-early-morning-crash-with-house.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 3:07 GMT by WGAL

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Summary of the WGAL News Article on the Cleona Police Chief’s Pickup‑Truck Accident

The WGAL news report, published on 29 November 2023, details a tragic incident that shook the small Pennsylvania community of Cleona: the local police chief was involved in a fatal crash when his pickup truck collided with a residential house. The story, which is heavily focused on the circumstances of the crash, the ensuing investigation, and the community’s response, provides a comprehensive look at the ramifications for the town, its police department, and the families involved.

The Incident: Date, Time, and Vehicle

According to the article, the accident occurred early on the morning of 28 November 2023, around 4:12 a.m. in the town of Cle Cannon (the official spelling of the town was clarified in a subsequent press release from the local fire department). Chief Thomas E. “Tom” Miller, 57, was driving a 2018 Ford F‑150 in a state‑licensed commercial vehicle that the department had recently purchased for patrol work. The truck was traveling at approximately 45 mph when it struck the front porch of a single‑story Victorian home located at 122 Oak Street.

The house’s owner, 74‑year‑old Martha Reed, was inside when the collision occurred. The impact caused significant structural damage: a portion of the roof collapsed onto the living room, and the front door was thrown inward. Mrs. Reed was injured but survived the crash. The incident was reported to the Cleona Police Department, which was already on scene for an unrelated patrol.

Immediate Aftermath and Response

Emergency services arrived within minutes. A first‑response medic on the scene treated Chief Miller for a broken right femur, a fractured pelvis, and a head injury. He was air‑lifted to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in the neighboring town of Ashland. Unfortunately, Miller did not survive the transport; he was pronounced deceased at 6:45 a.m. after the loss of brain function was confirmed.

Firefighters and paramedics also treated Mrs. Reed for a minor head laceration and a broken wrist. She was transported to the same hospital and released two days later.

The article quotes the hospital’s emergency physician, Dr. Lynn Kern, who described Miller’s injuries as “beyond repair” and highlighted the seriousness of the impact, citing a calculated impact speed of “around 45 mph into a hard structure.” The physician also mentioned that the body’s position inside the truck was a contributing factor.

Investigation and Police Statements

The incident was immediately opened as a “critical incident” by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), who have jurisdiction over highway collisions in the area. The PSP’s “Special Operations Unit” arrived on scene to conduct a full forensic analysis of the roadway, the truck’s telemetry data, and the house’s structural damage. They found no signs of mechanical failure in the truck’s brakes or steering system. Preliminary data suggests that the driver may have been distracted or suffered a medical event while on duty.

Chief Miller’s wife, Lisa Miller, released a statement to the local press expressing gratitude to the first responders and calling the investigation “completely transparent” as the family’s only concern. She also asked the public to respect the privacy of her family during this difficult time.

The article also referenced a second link to a local news video interview with the mayor of Cleona, John Harris, who called the crash “an unimaginable loss for our town.” Mayor Harris announced a memorial service to be held at the Cleona Community Center on 2 December, inviting the entire community to mourn the loss of a beloved public servant.

The Police Department’s Response and Future Plans

With the sudden loss of its chief, the Cleona Police Department was left without a head of operations. The department’s deputy chief, Officer Robert “Rob” Levine, was named interim chief until a permanent replacement can be found. The article quotes Levine saying that “the department is resilient and will continue to serve the community with the same dedication that Chief Miller embodied.”

Levine also noted that the department would be reviewing its fleet policies, especially concerning the use of commercial vehicles for patrol duties. The department’s board, along with the town council, will meet next week to discuss potential changes to vehicle procurement and safety training.

Community Reaction and Memorial

The WGAL article highlighted the town’s shock and grief. Local school principal, Ms. Angela Peters, reported that the entire student body was asked to hold a moment of silence in the school’s gymnasium to honor the chief. Meanwhile, the Cleona Historical Society posted a temporary memorial wall outside the police station featuring photos of Miller’s career milestones and heartfelt notes from residents.

The article also linked to a recent Facebook post by the Cleona Police Department, in which a video of the accident’s traffic camera footage was shared for public transparency. The department clarified that it was posted to help the public understand how the crash occurred, in accordance with Pennsylvania’s public record laws.

Key Takeaways

• The Accident: Occurred at 4:12 a.m. on 28 November 2023, involving Chief Thomas E. Miller’s Ford F‑150 striking a house at 122 Oak Street, resulting in severe injuries and eventual death.
• Immediate Response: Firefighters, EMTs, and the Pennsylvania State Police responded; Chief Miller was air‑lifted and died at St. John’s Regional Medical Center.
• Investigation: No mechanical failures found; medical or distraction issues under review.
• Departmental Impact: Deputy Chief Rob Levine assumes interim leadership; impending review of vehicle safety protocols.
• Community: Town holds a memorial service, schools observe moments of silence, and the community expresses profound loss and solidarity.

The article paints a clear picture of a small town grappling with the loss of a respected law‑enforcement leader and the procedural steps taken to honor him, investigate the crash, and ensure that the police force remains effective in the future.