By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

ALABASTER—Many know John Miller as the outgoing Shelby County chief probation officer, but to Clint Bryan, Miller is a lifesaver. Through Miller’s care, guidance and help, Bryan was able to overcome a meth addiction and take back his life.

Bryan is now a co-manager of a gym, a husband and a father of two.

“John, what you don’t know is, there are a few times when crazy thoughts have come into my head…going back to the old days…(but) I didn’t want to let you down,” Bryan said, expressing his gratitude to Miller during a Jan. 27 Shelby County Drug Free Coalition meeting at Family Connections in Alabaster.

Bryan is just one of the many success stories Miller has helped to foster through his extensive career with the Shelby County Juvenile Court System and the Deferred Program for At Risk Youth.

The program is for minors “who have had their first brush with the law,” Birmingham attorney and former Shelby County assistant district attorney Lara Alvis explained.

The program educates at-risk youth about the consequences their actions can have and in many cases, it helps them turn their lives around, Alvis said.

“Y’all don’t understand how much he gives to these kids,” Alvis said of Miller. “There’s always stuff going on, they’re always engaged and they’re always interested.”

Among the many positive stories, there are also cases where individuals could not find success. Through it all, Alvis said Miller has remained committed to his cause.

“There are so many success stories, and John has been there at every one,” Alvis said. “There are overdoses too, and John’s been there for them too. He’s been at all the funerals.”

After more than 30 years of service to the courts, Miller will retire from the position of chief probation officer on July 1.

Members of the Shelby County community showed their appreciation for Miller and his years of dedication during the Jan. 27 Shelby County Drug Free Coalition meeting. Alvis presented Miller, surrounded by his mother, niece and grand nephew, with a plaque as a token of thanks.

“The Deferred Program is by baby,” Miller said. “I think it’s the thing I’ll miss the most.”