Glen Ellyn volunteer fighting fires for 25 years

If there's a fire in Glen Ellyn, Bill Miller probably will be there.

The 47-year-old volunteer firefighter has been putting out blazes in Glen Ellyn for more than a quarter century.

Of the roughly 1,500 annual calls the department receives, Miller responds to roughly 1,100 of them.

"He makes more calls than anyone else; it's really unbelievable," Fire Chief Scott Raffensparger said. "His enthusiasm and desire have never waned throughout the years. He's a fearless firefighter."

Miller, an inspector for Glen Ellyn's public works department, humbly gives credit to his family and employer for cooperating with his desire to volunteer his efforts at odd hours of the day.

"You train and work really hard to be a good fireman, so you want to respond to help when the call comes in," Miller said.

Miller, who has lived in the same house all his life, is currently the department's captain.

This year the village's fire company is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Miller says the camaraderie, friendship and brotherhood among the dozens of fighters keeps him coming back.

But mostly, he continues to volunteer because it's something good for the community.

"I want to see the volunteer fire company grow," Miller said.