At the age of 18, Tracy Miller and James Keller were just two teens riding their bikes on an evening in Bergen in 1958.
They happened to hear there was a fire on Maple Street, so they rode by the scene with great interest. To their surprise, the fire chief at the time yelled to the boys to get up on the fire truck and help out.
Holding the water hose and instantly becoming a part of the crew at the scene was the moment when both men fell in love with the idea of being a firefighter. Looking back on that fond memory, Miller explained how “it was so exciting” for them to be able to offer help to such a critical service.
Both lifelong residents of the Bergen community, and lifelong friends, were happy to share their stories with me.
This spring, the Town of Bergen commended Miller and Keller for their 50 years of service. It was an honor to get to meet them and their wives, Loretta and Wilda, respectively.
Miller shared with me that at the age of 18 when he signed up to be a Bergen firefighter, his name was placed on a waiting list.
“At the time, volunteering for the community was the thing to do," Miller added.
It was in July of 1959 when Tracy Miller officially joined the fire department. Keller was appointed as a member in 1958, just after his father was recognized for 65 years of service to the fire department.
"It has been an ongoing generation sort of thing for the Keller family to be a part of the fire department," he said.
Both men are still active and greatly involved with the fire department and now serve as fire policemen. Their exceptional contributions and volunteerism continue to inspire junior fire members, as well as Bergen and its youth.
For Miller, the most gratifying reward for being a part of the FD for so many years, he told me, has been “simply being able to help my neighbors in their time of need.” Keller also agreed that being able to help others has definitely been the most satisfying result of this uncompensated labor of love.
As if dedicating one’s life as a volunteer firefighter isn't enough public service, these guys do a lot more and Bergen is the better for it.
Miller served on the Town Board of Bergen for 16 years. He is the vice president of the Historical Society, a Mason, and a deacon at The First Presbyterian Church. He also volunteers at the Senior Center in Batavia to help people with their taxes, and he provides elderly people he's met through the FD with transportation when needed.
Bergen Town Supervisor Don Cunningham said “what makes Tracy’s 50 years of service even more extraordinarily unique is that he still remains active. Whether arriving at the hall to pilot the ambulance, direct traffic at a fire scene, or just be available to lend a hand where needed."
Currently, Miller is helping to the fire department plan its 150th year celebration for 2011.
Keller is active in the Cemetery Association at Mt. Rest as is Miller.
Keller was a member of the EMT rescue squad for 10 years. And he currently participates as an Institutional Representative for Boy Scouts, which is sponsored by United Methodist Church, where he has been a member for 20 years. Keller is also a member of the V.F.W.
Not only have both men been recognized for their 50 years, and counting, of outstanding work as a volunteer for the Bergen Fire Department, they both continue to gain satisfaction from their incredible volunteering roles in the community by participating in various village functions.
Tracy Miller is pictured on top. Above is James Keller.
