Alabama Fire Fighters Lose Longtime Leader

February 4, 2008 – Hundreds of fire fighters, family and friends paid their last respects February 4 to decorated IAFF leader and fire fighter Donald William Miller at the Faith Baptist Church in Vinemont, Alabama.

“The IAFF is saddened by the loss of one our best,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “Brother Miller stood up and fought for fire fighters across the state of Alabama. He did it even when it was not so easy because he wanted only the best for his fire fighter brothers and sisters.”

IAFF 14th District Vice President Danny Todd remembers Miller for his professionalism and dedication. “He worked hard as a lobbyist for the state association and was instrumental in passing legislation that is helping fire fighters in Alabama today,” says Todd.

“He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and Cullman, AL Local 2644.”

Miller was born on December 18, 1945, and died on February 1, 2008, of a sudden heart attack at the age of 62.

He was a Vietnam Veteran of the Navy Sea Bee Battalion 74. He served 31 years as a Cullman Local 2644 fire fighter. After becoming a member of Local 2644, he was elected local president and then became involved with the Professional Fire Fighters of Alabama, serving as its president in the 1990s.

Miller is survived by a loving wife of 40 years, Hilda Sartin Miller; his mother, Marie Miller; his brother Johnny Miller; sisters Mary Jo Miller Kreimer; Teresa Miller Vanos and Willma O. Miller Smith. He is also survived by his children Michelle Wisner, Delitha Nail and Don Miller Jr.; and his grandchildren Ethan Wisner, Benjamin Farris, and Jayde, Kelsey and Reagen Nail.