George Miller might not remember the events of September 11, 2001, but the courageous actions of his father on that fateful day profoundly influenced his decision to join the NYPD.
At the time, Officer Thomas Miller was just finishing his shift when the plane struck the tower.
“He got home, but then he turned right back around to help the people of New York City,” George Miller recalled. “He stayed for only five minutes.”
Sadly, Thomas Miller passed away on February 22, 2023, at the age of 56 after battling bone marrow cancer linked to his time responding to 9/11.
Since the attack, over 700 first responders have died from related illnesses.
“He died a hero,” said 24-year-old George Miller.
George is preparing to graduate from the New York City Police Academy on May 8th, with plans to start his career at the NYPD the very next day. Notably, on May 2, at a special ceremony at the Queens Academy, residents from Long Island received badges featuring the number 31,939.
That number belonged to his father’s badge, which was retired in 2014 after two decades of service.
“I think he’d be proud of me,” Miller shared, reflecting on their bond. “He’s probably having a laugh with his partner up there.”
“He would have loved to see this, but I know he’s watching over us.”
As a baby during 9/11, George Miller doesn’t often discuss that day or his father’s experiences in the aftermath, especially after spending many days working in the mountains of Manhattan.
“It was hard for him to talk about,” Miller admitted.
His father, who served in Brooklyn’s 88th district, understood George’s desire to join the force and provided valuable guidance before he passed.
“He told me, ‘I know why you want to do this. You’ll help people, and you must always remember that,’” Miller recalled.
