In partnership with Hometown 803 and the Irmo Fire Foundation, a collection honoring the late James “J” Muller has been released. J was a dedicated firefighter and had a thorough first response career. There was no one more passionate and dedicated to his family, career, and serving people. J was killed doing what he loved and will be forever missed. At the request of J’s wife and their son, Hometown 803 will make a donation on their behalf to the Irmo Fire Foundation’s Muller Memorial Training Fund with each hat or shirt sale. 100% of the profits from the hat and T-shirt pre-sales will be donated!
preferred to be known as “J”
James “J” Muller, 25, was born November 18, 1997 in Columbia, SC and passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023. He was the son of Christopher Shawn Muller and Denise Morris Muller.
He preferred to be known as “J”, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, and son. J started his firefighting career as a cadet in a High School program, where his enthusiasm for life quickly earned the respect of his instructors. J graduated at the top of his class and was quickly hired by the Irmo Fire District. His passion for the craft and his thirst for growth quickly endeared him to his peers. J spent his off duty time attending classes and conferences, constantly pushing himself to improve and learn.
J had a profound impact on the Irmo Fire District. His enthusiasm was infectious, not just for the job, for everything. He influenced attitudes, behaviors, and performance by setting a great example of how to be a human being. He was positive, funny, and outstanding at everything he did. He was a selfless servant, always looking out for the other people in his life, and he always went the extra mile to serve the citizens of Irmo.
The Muller legacy extends well beyond Irmo. J was known to thousands of firefighters across the country through training events and conferences that he attended, because he made an impact everywhere he went. Many of the organizations that J trained with invited him to become an instructor with them. J’s message about the importance of the job, the importance of training, and the value of what we do touched a nerve with everybody who heard it. The people he left behind are committed to carry his message forward. We should all strive to remember that when we take our oath, “it’s an oath, it’s not a ceremonial high five. It’s a commitment, so live it.”
Although “J” was devoted to his career, he was even more devoted to his family. He loved spending time with his wife Emma, his son Cole and the rest of his family. Family adventures were important to J, and almost always involved a stop by one of the fire stations.
May 26, 2023; 11:00 pm
Irmo Firefighter Line of Duty Death
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 were released from the hospital this evening.
Firefighter James Michael Muller, 25 has been a member of the Irmo Fire District for 7 years. 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. Chief Sonefeld and the Fire District appreciate the outpouring of your thoughts and prayers during this tragic and difficult time.
“If every firefighter had an ounce of the drive and passion J had, the fire service would be unimaginable. If everyone had an ounce of character of what he displayed, the world would be a better place. The IFD is better because of him and what he gave and we thank him for that.”
-Captain Casey Clinkscales (FB)