As the widow of Officer Jason Judd, a Peoria police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2020, my perspective on Art Miller was formed during one of the most difficult times in my life.

My respect for Art Miller actually started with Jason.

Jason was strong willed, strong in his convictions, and not someone who was easily impressed by leadership. He rarely spoke highly of a police chief, but he talked about Art differently. He was genuinely excited to have him leading the Peoria Police Department.

After Jason’s accident, one of the first things I said to Art was, “I am so glad it’s you who is the chief during this. Jason loved you.”

At that point, my confidence in Art came mostly from Jason. It did not take long for me to understand why he felt that way.

Art was there every step of the way through Jason’s accident and funeral. But he was also there on a personal level. He checked on me and my sons, shared dinner with us in our home, invited us to his Christmas party, and continued to stay connected with our family long after the formal responsibilities were over.

I also learned later how much he fought behind the scenes to make sure Jason could be honored properly during COVID, when restrictions and opinions made everything more difficult. At a time when I could barely process what was happening, Art was advocating for Jason and for our family.

That has always stayed with me.

I saw the kind of leader Art was when things were difficult, emotional, and complicated. More importantly, I saw the kind of person he was when there was nothing political to gain from it.

To this day, I still feel that Art shares a special bond with our family, and I believe that bond will continue.

My support for Art Miller for Mayor comes from Jason’s trust in him and from my own firsthand experience with the man Jason trusted to lead his department.

That is why I am proud to support him for Mayor of Peoria.

Teresa Judd