Lake County Fire Rescue EMS Chief Dan Miller, a 22-year veteran firefighter, was hospitalized on Sept. 18 after going into cardiac arrest at his home. Chief Miller remains in critical condition at AdventHealth Waterman.
“Please keep him in your prayers,” said Lake County Fire Rescue Chief Jim Dickerson. “Every day is a challenge, and we’re going to have some ups and downs, but hopefully we’re going to have more ups than downs. I will continue to update the Central Florida fire community of his progress.”
While public visitation to the hospital is not allowed at this time, firefighters have been taking 24-hour off-duty shifts to comfort the family. The Lake County Firefighters Charity, area firefighters and friends have been providing meals daily and the charity is accepting donations to further assist Miller’s recovery.
From 3 p.m. to close on Sept. 30, 10% of all dining proceeds from the Texas Roadhouse in Clermont will be donated to help the Miller family. The Big Red Bus will be accepting blood donations in honor of Chief Miller at the Leesburg National Night Out on Oct. 1 from 4-8 p.m. at the Leesburg Susan Street Complex.
Chief Miller started as volunteer firefighter soon after graduating high school in 1996, and shortly thereafter became a professional firefighter. He has an Associate of Science degree in Emergency Medical Services from Valencia College and a bachelor’s degree in Fire Department Administration. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious designation of Chief Fire Officer. Chief Miller founded Lake County Fire Rescue’s elite Venom 2 Unit.
All proceeds from The Firefighters Charity GoFundMe, at www.gofundme.com/f/wpt9kc-help-the-miller-family, will go to the Miller family. Stickers with the hashtag #MillerStrong are also available at www.lakefirefightercharIty.org.
