Michael “Peanut” Miller received his last alarm on June 20, 2015. He was found unresponsive by his Station #3 crew early that morning after a rescue run.
Michael was born on September 22, 1969, and graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1987. He was an avid soccer player throughout his school years, playing for the Racine Area Soccer League. After graduation from high school, Michael worked as a graphic arts technician for a local company until his decision to join the United States Air Force in 1991. It was during his time in the Air Force, while stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, that Michael met the love of his life, his wife, Melanie. It was also during this time that Michael found his true calling, firefighting.
After leaving the Air Force, Michael joined the Pleasant Prairie Fire Department in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, where he also trained to become a paramedic.
On June 30, 1994, Michael and Melanie welcomed their son, Cameron Patrick, into this world. Cameron was his father’s greatest joy, and they were inseparable. Loving the outdoors, they spent many outings together hunting, fishing, and kayaking.
In 1997, Michael joined the Green Bay Metro Fire Department and was an 18-year veteran of the department. He received his nickname, “Peanut,” while at his first station, and from that day forward was always referred to as “Peanut” or “Nut.” He was happiest while on duty, serving his community, always with his infectious smile and quick wit. He loved life, to laugh and, most of all, his family.
He is truly missed by his brothers on the department and his family.
Michael Miller, My Uncle, a hero, family man, and someone who embodied growth. No one starts life with a smile, but I think anyone would bet Peanut did. I only saw my uncle so many times growing up, and wish I could’ve gotten to know him so much more, but that doesn’t stop the stories his life told. No one is born perfect and that’s something anyone can tell you, but people from my family can tell you that especially tho. I hope some day I can be as well regarded as he was in the American community, help just as many people, but it’ll be a challenge to grow and become the kind of man he was. Rest In Peace Uncle Michael Miller. ❤️
– Parker Matthew Hagstrom (Elliott)