Fire torches local paramedic's home
Sep. 15—HICKORY — The community has rallied around a local paramedic after he and his family lost their home to a fire.
Caldwell County Paramedic Ethan Miller's home caught fire on Wednesday morning (Sept. 14) while he was on duty serving the citizens of Caldwell County.
Lt. Jason Powell with Caldwell County Emergency Services has opened a GoFundMe account in order to assist the family in this difficult time.
Powell said Miller was picking up an extra shift Wednesday morning when he received the call that his house was on fire. Fortunately, Miller's 15-year-old son, Ryan, and 10-year-old daughter, Ryleigh, were not there and were at school at the time.
"Ethan puts in so much to the county and its citizens," said Powell. "He goes above and beyond picking up extra shifts and working overtime and doing what he can for his family."
The ultimate goal of this fundraiser is $10,000 to help the Miller family recover following the devastating loss. As of Thursday night (Sept. 15), it has raised $2,555 and continues to grow.
"I want to be an ambassador for peer support," said Powell. "We're helping the helpers. We do this job to help others. When one of these emergencies affects our own, that strikes an even bigger chord for us. We pride ourselves that in Caldwell County, Emergency Services are a family. Fires are tragic whoever it happens to, and this not only affects Ethan and his blood family, but his work family, as well."
Powell noted the Millers are staying with relatives in the area while they are displaced.
The Catawba County Fire Marshal's Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Those interested in offering donations to the Miller family can visit the "Caldwell County, NC Paramedic Ethan Miller" GoFundMe page directly at www.gofundme.com/f/caldwell-county-nc-paramedic-ethan-miller or follow Caldwell County Emergency Services on Facebook to learn more.
"We want to support Ethan and support his two children," Powell said.
