Fallen firefighter’s legacy rings on

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Family and friends honored the memory of a fallen firefighter today.

Capt. John Miller died in a helicopter crash off Carolina Beach Road in 2008. A brass bell was dedicated in his name at Cape Fear Community College’s Safety Training Center.

Bells have always been a part of the fire service signifying the start and end of a fire. This bell, though, represents life and death.

For Miller’s wife, it’s also a symbol of the man she loves.

“This will be a site that I feel that I could come and talk to John, and I know he’s looking down on us today, smiling from ear to ear,” Linda Miller said.

Capt. Miller, a New Hanover High grad, worked for the Wilmington Fire Department for 18 years.