SDPD Detective Sergeant Bill Miles Honored with First Hometown Hero Award for Leadership in Combating Fentanyl Overdose Deaths

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Police Detective Sergeant William "Bill" Miles today received the first "Hometown Hero" Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, compassion, and tireless efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic in San Diego County.

The inaugural award was presented by U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon at a ceremony at the DEA San Diego headquarters today.

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the 2026 Hometown Hero award was established to recognize individuals who exemplify the enduring American ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility. The program selected one Hometown Hero for each of the nation's 93 U.S. Attorneys' Offices.

Detective Sergeant Miles was selected for his extraordinary dedication to seeking justice for families devastated by fentanyl and his tireless efforts to remove dangerous drug traffickers from local communities.

A 28-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department, Detective Sergeant Miles has served since 2023 as Group Supervisor of the Overdose Response Team, a multi-agency task force led by the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, La Mesa Police Department, the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and the California Department of Health Care Services.

The Overdose Response Team was established to confront the alarming rise in overdose deaths across San Diego County by investigating fentanyl and other dangerous drug distributions linked to fatal overdoses. The team responds to overdose deaths in the cities of San Diego and La Mesa, conducts follow-up investigations, and pursues both state and federal prosecutions against those responsible for distributing deadly narcotics.

Under Detective Sergeant Miles' leadership, the team has responded to more than 315 overdose deaths, leading to countless investigations and numerous successful prosecutions that have brought accountability and a measure of justice to grieving families. His efforts also contributed to a significant 39 percent decline in overdose deaths, from a high of 814 in 2022 to 494 in 2024.

As Group Supervisor, Detective Sergeant Miles oversees a team of eight to 10 investigators and two analysts. Known for his unwavering dedication, he is available around the clock and routinely responds to overdose scenes and investigative operations at all hours of the day and night. In addition to leading operations, he frequently works directly in the field alongside investigators.

Beyond his investigative work, Detective Sergeant Miles has earned the admiration of victims' families for his compassion and humanity during some of the darkest moments of their lives. Family members have repeatedly expressed gratitude for the empathy and support he provides while relentlessly pursuing justice against those responsible for distributing deadly fentanyl.

Detective Sergeant Miles also champions outreach and intervention efforts aimed at preventing future overdose deaths and connecting community members with critical resources. The Overdose Response Team has been recognized nationally as a model for combating the opioid epidemic and has played a vital role in the significant reduction of overdose deaths in San Diego County.

"Detective Sergeant Miles' dedication to protecting the community, supporting victims' families, and holding fentanyl traffickers accountable has touched countless lives," said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "His service exemplifies the very meaning of a hometown hero."

"Sergeant Miles embodies the spirit of public service and is an invaluable member of the DEA San Diego team," said DEA Special Agent in Charge James Nunnelly. "He is committed to finding answers and accountability for families who have been torn apart by fentanyl and bringing to justice those who threaten the safety of our community. We are truly honored to have Sergeant Miles on our team."

Detective Sergeant Miles said: "Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the work of the Narcotics Task Force Overdose Response Team (Team 10). I have had the privilege of leading an exceptional group of professionals whose dedication, investigative expertise, and commitment to justice have made a meaningful impact in our community. This recognition belongs to every member of Team 10 and to our community partners who work alongside us to identify and apprehend those responsible for distributing deadly drugs."