79-Year-Old Ely Volunteer Firefighter Says He's Not Retiring Anytime Soon

By Jillian Petrus, Reporter

Tools

By Jaime Sharer

Story Created: Oct 23, 2011 at 10:59 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 23, 2011 at 11:08 PM CDT

ELY, Iowa - As a member of the Ely Volunteer Fire Department for more than 35 years, Jim Miller has climbed into a fire truck more times than he can remember, fought more fires and responded to more emergencies than he can count.

"I just enjoy doing it,” said Miller, “I told them they'll have to carry me out of here or throw me out I wasn't going to leave on my own."

True to his word, at age 79, Miller's gear still hangs in his locker at the fire station. He can’t fight fires like he used to, admitting the pack and oxygen tank might be a bit too much weight, but he helps where he’s needed.

"I can still drive this tanker and haul water to them,” said Miller, “just assist them in any way I can.”

On a warm October day, we found Miller doing what he can for the next generation by teaching fire safety. Something that he’s become known for among the elementary school and local library.

"Jim is just so warm hearted,” said Vickie Pasicznyuk, a youth librarian for Ely Public Library, “he's always willing to work with the children."

Miller's done more than fight fires over the years. He's also served in the military overseas in Korea between 1954 and 1956, on the police force, and city council receiving numerous awards for his work, including the governor’s award for his work turning an old school house into a community center.

"I don’t need no awards!” Miller laughed, “I do it because I want to do it not because I'm going to get something for it."

But Miller deserves the highest recognition. He lost his 3 week-old daughter Rhonda Kay Miller to acute pneumonia in 1957 only to face tragedy a second time several years later. His 16 year-old son Andy died in a car wreck – Miller responded to the accident.

"Different guys say how can you go to an accident now? I say, ‘if I can help, more power to us’ that we can go out and help somebody else."

His generous attitude and warm smile is not lost on the those around him.

"Being the chief of a volunteer fire department seeing volunteerism going way down, he's definitely a role model,” said Ely Fire Chief Randy Zbanek, “hopefully people will notice and look up to him."

In spite of the flattery, Miller stays humble to the end.

"I always wanted to help somebody anything I can do to help I'm going to do it,” he says, “it's in my blood I guess."

Next Article Search for Missing Man in Cedar River Will Resume Monday

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.