Tempe Elks Lodge No. 2251 honored two city of Tempe first responders for their outstanding service to the city at the group’s annual Charity Ball last month. Detective Chris Miller of the Tempe Police Department has served in the Homicide Unit since 2017. He has been the lead detective in 20 homicide investigations during that time, with a 100% clearance rate. Highly respected across the Phoenix metro area among his peers, he serves on the board of the Arizona Homicide Investigators Association.
Miller is recognized for an unmatched work ethic and dedication to his job. He is married with two children. Firefighter/Paramedic Cody Welch of Tempe Fire Medical Rescue began his career with the department in 2017.
After graduating from the fire academy he has volunteered to mentor aspiring candidates, who have gone on to positions with the city of Tempe and with fire and rescue departments in other communities. Co-workers say he brings positivity, high energy and a commitment to excellence in his work and is admired for his strong work ethic and personal integrity. He is following in the footsteps, of his father Jim Welch, of the Scottsdale Fire Department. Marty Laird, leader of the Tempe Elks chapter, hailed the contributions of the award honorees. “The Tempe Elks are a local, community based organization that is pleased to be able to honor these first responders for 2023,” he said. “These two first responders display a commitment to their local community that all Elks lodges across the country support and value. Each honoree named a favorite charity, which was awarded $500 by the Tempe Elks.
