Fallen Officer’s LEGACY Lives On!
Two decades after Thomas Miller heroically responded to the 9/11 attacks, his son, George Miller, honors his legacy by continuing the family tradition of service in the NYPD.
At a Glance
George Miller was inspired by his father, Thomas Miller, a 9/11 hero, to join the NYPD.
Thomas Miller returned to assist at Ground Zero despite having just completed his shift.
George Miller is set to start his NYPD career on May 9, 2025.
A ceremonial honor bestowed Thomas’s badge number to George, symbolizing a continued legacy.
Thomas Miller’s Heroic Legacy
George Miller was deeply inspired by his late father, Police Officer Thomas Miller, who played a crucial role during the events of September 11, 2001. Despite completing his shift, Thomas, answering a higher call of duty, returned to aid at Ground Zero, showcasing heroism that remains unsung for many. His actions on that fateful day and subsequent humanitarian efforts became storytelling pillars within the Miller family, framing Thomas’s legacy as one of bravery and commitment.
NYPD cadet receives hero dad’s badge number — two years after he died from 9/11-related cancer
George, 24, learned about his father’s courage through these family tales, which have shaped his understanding of what it truly means to serve. Thomas’s battle with 9/11-induced bone marrow cancer, which claimed his life on February 22, 2023, at 56, underscores the often-hidden sacrifices officers make. More than 700 first responders have died due to 9/11-related illnesses, highlighting the long-term impacts of their selfless acts.
Passing the Torch
The torch of service now passes to George, who is poised to begin his NYPD career imminently upon his graduation from the New York City Police Academy on May 8, 2025. In a heartfelt ceremony, George was honored with his father’s badge number, 31939—a tribute that cements a legacy and commitment to policing. George’s alignment with his father’s values reiterates the importance of helping others, a notion Thomas emphasized before his passing.
“He turned back, to go back to help the people of New York City” – George Miller
As he steps into his new role, George carries forward a sense of duty, buoyed by the belief that his father watches over him, proud of his decision to serve. The honor of receiving Thomas’s badge number unites past and future generations of law enforcement within the Miller family, highlighting the enduring impact of the 9/11 tragedy on individuals and families bound by service.
Enduring Memory and Service
As Thomas Miller’s story closes, George Miller’s opens, symbolized by the ceremonial transfer of the badge. George embodies his father’s enduring legacy of protection and service to others. Committed to the values instilled in him, George believes his father would be proud, knowing his legacy lives on. The personal journey imbued with integrity and resolve represents a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
“I think my dad would be proud of me” – George Miller
The dedication of first responders like the Millers, who dare to serve and protect at all costs, provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of safety and justice. The journey continues as George steps into his role, carrying forward the values of service, bravery, and the unyielded spirit of his beloved father.