It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Herbert Miller, Lifetime Member of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Herbert passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014 after a sudden illness at his home in Riva, Maryland.
Herbert Hoover Miller was born November 8, 1928 in Spring Creek, Virginia to the proud parents of Samuel and Mary Margaret Miller.
Herbert was one of eleven (11) children in the Miller family. The Millers moved from Spring Creek and settled in Capitol Heights where the children grew up and went to school.
Herbert graduated from Maryland Park High School in 1946. Soon after graduation he joined the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Herbert was very active in the department and was one of our primary drivers of the fire engines. He held various administrative offices during his tenure including Secretary, Financial Secretary and Vice President. Three (3) of Herbert’s brothers also joined the department, including Charles, Fred and Arthur. The Miller family should be proud of the role they all played in protecting the Town of Capitol Heights and surrounding communities, as well as, the impact they have had on working to make continuous improvements to the services we provide.
Herbert was active in sports and participated in the fire department softball and bowling leagues. He was the pitcher for the department’s softball team and helped lead the team to many victories.
While still a member of the department, Herbert joined the U.S. Army. He served in the 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, Company “I” from 1951 through 1953 and held the rank of Corporal.
When he returned home after his discharge, he resumed his active role in the department, and attained his 20 year Lifetime Membership in 1966.
Herbert retired from Bell Atlantic (formerly the C&P Telephone Company) in 1989. After retirement he enjoyed his family, golf and restoring his 1966 Ford Mustang. He was also reported to be an excellent train and ship model maker.
The Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department is nearing the end of a year-long celebration of it’s 100th anniversary. Throughout the past year, the department has held various events, including an Old Timer and Member Appreciation Cook-out this past April. Herbert and many of our old timers were in attendance. It was inspiring to see Herbert’s and other old timer’s faces just beam with pride, as they renewed friendships, shared stories and just caught up with folks they have not seen in a very long time. For some this was the last time they were able to visit with Herbert. I am so glad we had this opportunity to spend time with him and capture some of his memories with interviews and video.
Herbert was a dedicated and loyal member of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
Herbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, his brothers Wilbur and Russell and sisters, Margaret, Dorothy and Catherine.
To Herbert’s brothers – Charles, Arthur and Fred, sisters – Edna and Francis, daughters Diane, Donna, Darlene and Sue, step daughters Debbie and Kay and his numerous grandchildren, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to you and your families.
The Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department has lost a dedicated member, but more importantly we have lost a true friend. Herbert will be missed by all, but we will never forget his dedication, professionalism and service as an officer of this department.
We are honored to have known and served along side him. We thank the Miller family for sharing him with us.