The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosted the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3 and 4 in Emmitsburg, Md. This year’s national tribute honored 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 70 firefighters who died in previous years, including one from Buckeye.
The honorees included Engineer Brian W. Miiller, age 61, of the Buckeye Valley Fire District. Miiller died on Feb. 7, 2022, from complications of COVID-19.
Detailed information about each of the 226 firefighters being memorialized can be found on the 2025 Roll of Honor.
The tribute was "a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten.
Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF, added: "Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism."
Brian Wallace Miiller died on February 7, 2022, in the line of duty with the Buckeye Valley Fire Department, where he faithfully served for 14 years. Brian was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on November 23, 1960. The family relocated to Arizona in 1963. He attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School and Bourgade Catholic High School, graduating in 1979. He received his BS-BA degree from the Arizona State University in 1985.
He was a member of Ss. Simon and Jude, Knights of Columbus-Council 12708 and served as the IAFF Local #4371 Firefighters Charities treasurer for ten years.
Brian was a longtime Phoenix Suns fan and participated in many fantasy football leagues, He loved riding his Harley and camping and hunting while tearing it up on his ATV. He loved traveling with his wife, Debra, and going on special outings with his children.
Brian is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, Lauren and Jared; his parents, Alderd and Anna Mae (Allen) Miiller; his brothers and sister, Kevin (Lisa), Michele (Jim) Dunham, and Darin (Veronica Thraen); his uncle, Ivan Miiller, and aunt, Janie (Darwin) Peterson; nieces and nephews, Matthew, Markus (Samantha), Kevin II (Megan), Kyle (Katie), Zachary, Sarah, Russ, Hannah, and Lance; and many treasured cousins.
