Nate Mills Memorial Firefighter’s Fund Established at HCCF

At the young age of 19, Nate Mills started his firefighting career with the Markle Volunteer Fire Department. He was hooked from day one. In a November 2014 WANE 15 interview, he said, “This is where my heart’s at. It’s the brotherhood and the comradery and it’s like part of a family.” He went on to be trained as an EMT so he could go on more runs and joined the Fort Wayne Fire Department in 2006.

After a three year long battle with cancer, Nate passed away at the age of 41 on March 1, 2015. Even when his battle kept him from the fire station, he remained positive and upbeat all the way to the end.

In the same WANE 15 interview, five months before his passing, Nate said, “I’ve had a wonderful life. I have a beautiful wife who I love with all my heart. I’ve had the best job in the world. What’s there not to be positive about?”

Today, Nate’s mother, Susan Mills, continues to promote his belief that there is no such thing as too much training by encouraging his fellow firefighters to participate in as much training as possible. Through the Nate Mills Memorial Firefighter’s Fund, Fort Wayne firefighters can seek reimbursement for training expenses ($100 for 1 day of training, $200 for 2 days). It is a fitting tribute to Nate’s memory and dedication to his craft.

One day, Susan hopes to grow the fund large enough to serve more area volunteer fireman outside of Fort Wayne. To help reach this goal, please visit www.huntingtonccf.org/donate to donate to the Nate Mills Memorial Firefighter’s Fund.

To seek reimbursement for training expenses, please contact Susan Mills at samills70@yahoo.com, Captain Tom Helmkamp of the Fort Wayne Fire Department, or HCCF at info@huntingtonccf.org.

For more news and information regarding this fund and other funds held at HCCF, please explore www.huntingtonccf.org and like us on Facebook at huntingtonccf.