GOSHEN, Ind. — Andy Stephenson officially became the 23rd Goshen police chief on Thursday, June 11, 2026, taking the oath of office before residents, community leaders, public safety personnel and family members during a ceremony at the Goshen Theater.
Mayor Gina Leichty administered the oath of office, formally marking the transition of leadership following the retirement of Chief José Miller, whose decades of service helped shape the department and strengthen relationships throughout the community.
Goshen Police Chief Takes Oath of Office
Stephenson joined the City of Goshen on May 1 and spent several weeks working alongside Miller before the transition. A national search and interview process included department personnel, community stakeholders and a mayoral advisory task force.
“Choosing the next leader to carry forward GPD’s legacy of serving both the community and the department carried tremendous weight,” Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty said during the ceremony. “It required patience and care unlike any other decision I have made in office.”
Leichty said Stephenson’s experience and leadership record distinguished him throughout the selection process.
“Andy is new to Goshen, but he is not new to police leadership,” she said. “He is not new to building trust. He is not new to supporting officers. He is not new to helping departments grow stronger through change.”
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Stephenson brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience in Indiana and North Carolina. He began his career with the Indiana University Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from cadet to captain. He later served as chief of police at Appalachian State University.
Most recently, he directed law enforcement training for the University of North Carolina System. He oversaw professional development programs serving more than 560 sworn officers across 16 public universities.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Goshen community, Stephenson praised the professionalism and dedication of the department’s officers and staff.
“It is an honor to join this department and community,” Stephenson said. “I look forward to working alongside the men and women of the Goshen Police Department, building relationships throughout the community and continuing the department’s long tradition of service.”
The ceremony included the presentation and retirement of colors by the Goshen Police Honor Guard. The Prairie Street Brass Quintet performed musical selections. And Stephenson’s former colleagues from Appalachian State University Police Department. provided video testimonials.
Family members, colleagues, community leaders and residents joined city officials in welcoming Stephenson to his new role.