PORTSMOUTH, NH — Thousands of people paid tribute on February 26, 2024 to Portsmouth Police Officer Phillip “Phip” Miles, who passed away on Feb. 16.

A small group of law enforcement motorcycle officers led a procession left the J Verne Wood funeral home in Portsmouth, winding through streets to Greenland, where hundreds of law enforcement officers joined. The procession spanned more than a mile and passed by several people along the route holding signs to honor “Phip” as it traveled to the Bethany Church in Greenland.

After the services, the procession drove through Greenland and traveled north on Route 1, passing Seacoast Harley Davidson, where he worked with New England Police Vehicle Leasing for over 25 years. A Portsmouth police motorcycle depicting the one he rode was displayed on a truck in the procession.

Many of the motorcycle officers were personally trained by Miles and became close friends over the years of his service to area police departments. Officers across New England joined the procession to honor him as he took his last journey.

At Central Cemetery in Rye, more than a thousand people attended graveside services where the Portsmouth Police Honor Guard fired their rifles in a salute to him.

Philip George Miles, known to many as Phip or “P,” a resident of Greenland, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at the age of 75. He was born on July 13, 1948, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to the late Shirley and Martha (Trefethen) Miles.

Phil graduated from Portsmouth High School, class of 1966, and served his country with honor in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War.

After his military service, Phil embarked on a dedicated professional career, starting with roofing and construction before joining the Portsmouth Police Department in 1978. He was a true street cop and supervisor.

As an FTO, he taught surrogate kids in blue to police the right way with life lessons and laughter, teaching kindness and goodness. He always had the