Officer from Oakland Police Department, former youth pastor, added to Antioch force, Monday

Antioch's newest Police Officer Steven Millan-Estrada and Chief Allan Cantando, following Millan's oath of office ceremony, Monday afternoon, November 14, 2016.

Antioch’s newest Police Officer Steven Millan-Estrada and Chief Allan Cantando, following Millan’s oath of office ceremony, Monday afternoon, November 14, 2016.

By Allen Payton

In a brief ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility, Monday afternoon, Officer Steven Millan-Estrada was given the oath of office to become the newest sworn member of the city’s police force. The 30-year-old is a lateral hire from the Oakland Police Department after working there for the past two years.

Officer Millan's wife pins on his new badge, as his daughter, son and Chief Cantando look on.

Officer Millan’s wife pins on his new badge, as his daughter, son and Chief Cantando look on.

Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando introduced Officer Millan (pronounced me-yawn) to fellow officers, and the entire city council and city manager, who were in attendance. Also in attendance was Millan’s wife, son, daughter, sister-in-law and “good buddy from the OPD,” as he described him.

“Steven was born and raised in San Francisco,” Cantando shared. “He graduated from the Voice of Pentecost Academy in 2004”…then “attended the World Evangelism Bible College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.”

He “served as a youth pastor for five years at a church in San Jose, where he worked with inner-city youth,” the Chief continued. “Steven’s passion to serve others led him to become a police officer.”

In 2014 he graduated from the 170th Oakland Police Academy.

“During his time with the Oakland Police Department, Steven worked as a Patrol Officer, a Community Resource/ Outreach Officer, and later transferred to the Crime Reduction Team,” Cantando said.

In his role as an Outreach Officer he worked to build a better relationship with the community.

“Steven enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, including his son in T-ball, and watching the New England Patriots every Sunday,” which elicited some friendly grumbling from the audience. After revealing that fact, Cantando then said with a smile, “Steven’s not going to be here very long. Hopefully he can pick a better team,” to laughter from the audience.

“He’s bilingual which will help our department,” the chief added.

Millan was then pinned with his new badge by his wife, as his son and daughter stood by.

Mayor Wade Harper then administered the oath of office to Antioch’s newest police officer..

“Looking at Steven’s background I’ve been asked can a person of faith be a police officer,” Harper, who is a former police lieutenant and ordained minister, shared. “Absolutely.”

“The caliber of the people who we’re getting to join the Antioch Police family is excellent,” he added.

Millan then had the opportunity to share some thoughts.

“I’m very grateful to be here,” he said. “I want to thank my beautiful wife and my two kids for their sacrifice.”

He then thanked “the Chief, Lieutenant Mendez, Art, Samantha, Anna, for their kindness. I never heard family emphasized,” and then mentioned being part of “a hard working PD.”

Cantando returned to the podium for his final comments.

Your husband is in a very good spot,” he said to Millan’s wife. “The caliber of the police department personnel, here is second to none.”

“We hope you take a tour of the facility and see the pictures on the wall,” Cantando added. “We go back to that family theme which we have a great tradition here in the City.”

In a brief interview before the ceremony began, Millan shared that during his two years in Oakland, he worked in patrol in East Oakland near the Oracle Arena as part of the crime reduction unit. One of the perks of the job was getting to work the sporting events.

“I’m looking forward to starting my career with this amazing agency,” Millan stated. “I really feel family. That’s the word that comes out. The family atmosphere.”

When asked why Antioch, he responded, “The culture and environment is very welcoming. I want to be part of something special.”

With the addition of Millan, the Antioch Police force now has 96 total sworn officers. That is six shy of what is budgeted for the department, and 15 fewer than the 111 promised by Harper and the Council during the successful Measure C campaign in 2013.


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2 Comments to “Officer from Oakland Police Department, former youth pastor, added to Antioch force, Monday”

  1. Roy Peacock says:

    Officer Steven Millan-Estrad, welcome aboard. God-speed to you. It was a joy for me to serve as a chaplain for Antioch PD a few years back before I moved to Washington. You are joining a great group of folks including Chief Cantando.

  2. Eric A. says:

    Is that Oscar De La Hoya?!!

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