Thomas “Tommy” Miller, who was known for his dedication to service, leadership, family, and helping others, died Sept. 22. The IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus was 80.
“Tommy Miller served his country, his community, and his union with pride. He was just 9 years old when his father, an Indianapolis fire fighter, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. That loss shaped Tommy’s lifelong commitment to the fire service. He understood what this job asks of us and our families – and over nearly 50 years of service, he never forgot it,” General President Edward Kelly said. “God bless Tommy, his wife Barb, and the entire Miller family. May he rest in peace.”
Tommy Miller served his country, his community, and his union with pride. He was just 9 years old when his father, an Indianapolis fire fighter, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. That loss shaped Tommy’s lifelong commitment to the fire service. He understood what this job asks of us and our families – and over nearly 50 years of service, he never forgot it.
General president Edward kelly
Miller was 18 years old when he first answered the call to serve. In 1964, he joined the United States Navy, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Tioga County and earning the respect of his fellow shipmates.
He joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1968, following in his father’s footsteps. During the course of his 37-year career, Miller rose through the ranks to captain before retiring in December 2005.
He was equally committed to supporting his fellow fire fighters through Indianapolis Local 416. Miller joined the Local executive board in 1971 as a trustee and was elected vice president in 1974.
One of his proudest accomplishments was negotiating the Local’s first contract with the City of Indianapolis in 1976 – an agreement that became the foundation for all of Local 416’s subsequent contracts.
Miller further distinguished himself serving as president of the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana from 1978 to 2002. where, he was responsible for numerous legislative and regulatory advances benefiting fire fighters and their families throughout the state.
In 2008, he was elected 8th District Vice President, representing fire fighters in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan.
“Brother Miller was truly one of a kind, a true leader and my friend for over 30 years,” 8th District Vice President Mark Sanders said. “He was always there when you needed him. But the one lesson I think we all learned from him was the importance of building relationships at every level of government. That’s how he got things done.”
Following General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Vincent Bollon’s retirement on Jan. 15, 2010, the IAFF Executive Board, acting in accordance with the union’s Constitution and By-laws, elected Miller to serve the remainder of Bollon’s term. He remained General Secretary-Treasurer until 2016 and was granted emeritus status by IAFF convention resolution
In that role, Miller led efforts to find revenue sources beyond union dues. During his tenure, non-per capita revenue went from $2.4 million to $19 million.
“I am proud call him a personal friend and mentor as I follow in his footsteps as General Secretary-Treasurer,” General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma said. “In every position he held, he showed what it meant to lead by example. He was never brash or egotistical but instead used his easy-going nature to build relationships that helped protect fire fighters and their families.”
“His legacy will live on in the difference he made in our profession. May perpetual light shine on Tommy, his wife Barb, his family, and all those impacted by his death,” Líma said further.
I am proud call him a personal friend and mentor as I follow in his footsteps as General Secretary-Treasurer. In every position he held, he showed what it meant to lead by example. He was never brash or egotistical but instead used his easy-going nature to build relationships that helped protect fire fighters and their families.
General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma
Beyond his fire service career, he was recognized for his expertise in fire fighter pensions and benefits. In 1986, Indiana Gov. Robert Orr appointed him to the 1977 Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension and Disability Fund Advisory Board. Reappointed by four successive governors, Miller became chairman in 1990 and remained a trusted advocate for retired and active public safety professionals throughout his tenure.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their children, Stephanie, Thomas, Joseph (Madison) and Claire, along with his grandson, Benjamin.
