The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority converged en masse to Fairgrounds Park Thursday night. Not for an emergency fire or serious incident, but to celebrate the service of Fire Chief Mark Miller on his last day with the department.
Miller announced his retirement in late March, signaling the end of 42 years as a firefighter and 32 years with the LFRA. Miller served as Loveland’s fire chief for a combined 12 and a half years with a gap from 2005 to 2014.
Miller, proudly dressed in his uniform, was flanked on all sides Thursday as his friends, family, colleagues and fellow city employees gathered to wish him well and send him off, but not before sharing some words of praise with the gathered crowd.
“I feel very blessed and humbled by the number of people here,” he said. “The simple fact, frankly, that I got the privilege to be the fire chief here blows me away.”
The crowd gathered was a wide range of Miller’s supporters, from his family to a former fire chief to city council members and many more. Many took a step up to the microphone to share stories, praise and, above all else, thanks for Miller’s service to Loveland.
His family described him as a hardworking, determined man who was a dedicated teacher and father.
“My dad has always been a sterling example of work ethic and integrity at your job,” said Micah Miller, Mark’s son. “We are super proud of him and the legacy he has (built) not just at this department but other departments he has worked at. I think his reputation is sterling, and there are not many who can say that.”
“He was a firm but fair hand; a hand you want in your corner,” said Hayley Schanafelt, Miller’s daughter. “He carries with him a heart of service for his neighbor. He stood up for what was right, a friend to the meek.”
His colleagues, current and former, described the “boy scout” as a strong force in the department who worked hard not only for his city, but for the people he was teaching to protect it.
Randy Mirowski, who described himself as not just a former Loveland fire chief but Miller’s long-time friend, said their friendship has survived through good times and bad, growing stronger the entire way. He said that Miller has taken the LFRA to the next level as it continues to serve the people of Loveland.
“He’s poured his life and his heart and his love into the people here,” he said.” And it is the people of the organization who make a difference.”
As he grew emotional, Mirowski thanked Miller and told him that, as his brother, he loved him.
A line of current LFRA employees thanked Miller for teaching them and growing with them. His colleagues, in their goodbye to him, presented him with gifts and memorabilia so he would never forget the impression he left.
Division Chief Greg Ward said that the LFRA’s three key components of commitment, compassion and courage were exemplified the greatest in the leaving chief.
“I appreciate … the legacy that you have left not only for me, but for us (as a group),” said Ned Sparks, who will serve as interim fire chief until someone fills the position permanently.
Though a new fire chief has not been chosen, Miller said he hopes that the legacy of serving the community and being one of its pillars continues. But he said he knows that the next person in charge will be inheriting a truly special department.
“We are leaving behind a very solid foundation,” he said. “We have a really great culture. I think I can walk away … and pass the baton to the new fire chief that it is not a can of worms and he (will have) a great bunch of men and women to work with.”
He said that for his next steps, he plans to spend some time traveling to his property in Steamboat Springs or around the country in his Airstream Basecamp travel trailer. He said that, mostly, he is going to “try to learn how to breathe again and figure out what it is like to relax.”
He added, “I have not done a good job of that in my life.”
With his last words as fire chief, Miller compared his time at the LFRA to the HBO series Band of Brothers; working and leading alongside some of the greatest, bravest people.
“I served in the company of heroes,” he said. “You are my brothers, and I love you all.”
As he finished his final speech as fire chief, Miller was met with a standing ovation.
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