Green Bay firefighter dies on duty

Green Bay Metro Fire Department Lt. Michael Miller was found dead at a station house early Saturday morning.

A press released indicated that Miller passed away in his sleep at approximately 4 a.m. while working his shift.

Green Bay Fire Department spokesman Lt. Nick Craig said Miller, 45, was an 18-year veteran of the department.

International Association of Fire Fighters Local 141 President Chad Bronkhorst confirmed Miller's death, but wouldn't comment Saturday afternoon.

A Facebook post on the Green Bay Metro Fire Fighters page indicated firefighters discovered an unresponsive Miller early Saturday while he was at Station 3, 885 Shawano Ave.

"Lt. Miller was always one to put others in front of himself, both as a firefighter and a Paramedic and used his witty humor to put a smile on any face," the post reads. "Please keep Lieutenant Miller's family in your thoughts and prayers."

Tributes to Miller, known as "Peanut," poured in from friends and fellow firefighters around the state to the Green Bay Metro Fire Fighters page Saturday. Many remembered his smile and quick wit while others offered thoughts and prayers to a fallen brother.

"Thoughts and prayers are with his family along with his EMS/fire family," Jamie Zepnick wrote. "This is such a shock and breaks my heart. He taught me so much when I was going through school and was such an asset to GBFD."

"Thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow from Utica Fire Department, Winnebago County, Station 12," wrote Todd Bethe.

– jbollier@pressgazettemedia.com or follow him on Twitter @GBstreetwise