Duty Death: James Michael Muller - [Columbia]
End of Service: 26/05/2023
By Paul Osmundson
The State
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Irmo firefighter killed Friday while battling an apartment fire was highly respected, according to a statement issued by the Irmo Fire Department.
James Michael Muller, 25, had been a member of the department for seven years, according to the statement. “He was a highly respected firefighter that had a love and passion for the job. Firefighter Muller will be greatly missed amongst his firefighting family.”
Muller died from injuries suffered while fighting a fire at the Tropical Ridge apartment complex on Stoneridge Road in Columbia. That’s near Greystone Boulevard and Interstate 126.
Here is the complete statement from the department.
It is with great sadness that Chief Mike Sonefeld and the officers and members of the Irmo Fire District announce the death of an on-duty firefighter due to a structural collapse during fire suppression efforts this afternoon.
Fire protection services from multiple fire departments were performing interior suppression activities when this tragedy occurred. Irmo was assigned to this call as an automatic aid response. More details of the fire will be forthcoming when appropriate.
Three members from the Irmo Fire District were transported to the hospital after the event, the other two firefighters have been released from the hospital this evening.
Firefighter James Michael Muller, 25, has been a member of the Irmo Fire District for seven years. He was a highly respected firefighter that had a love and passion for the job. Firefighter Muller will be greatly missed by his firefighting family. Chief Sonefeld and the fire district appreciate the outpouring of your thoughts and prayers during this tragic and difficult time.
@passionforthecraft It is with great sadness we announce the line of duty death of one of our own. James Muller was the definition of a fireman through and through. He tragically passed while fighting an apartment fire, risking it all for the ones he swore to protect. It was an honor to know you brother. He truly lived his message. Honor his name by being just a little better than the day before. Please pray for his family and all who knew him during this tragic time. “Re-dedicate yourself everyday” -James Muller Last Alarm: 5.26.23 #muller #pftc #firefighter #firefightertiktok #firefighters #firefightertraining #fireman #hero #lodd #firetraining #ultimatesacrifice ♬ See You Again (Piano Arrangement) - Alexandre Pachabezian
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Original reporting:
By FireRescue1 Staff
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A firefighter with the Irmo Fire Department in South Carolina was killed in the line of duty on Friday, reported by News19.
The Richland County Coroner announced during a press conference that James Muller, 25, succumbed to his injuries following a mayday incident at the Tropical Ridge Apartments in Columbia.
Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said Muller was one of seven firefighters who became trapped in the structure and were rescued. All seven, five from Columbia and two from Irmo, were transported to area hospitals.
Two other tenants of the apartment building were transported for injuries as well.
This is a developing story.