The end of an era in Austin fire service was declared with the death Sunday of former long-time firefighter and fire chief A. Daniel Miller.

Miller, a widower, was found dead in his home at 1703 3rd St. NE at 6:40 p.m. Sunday.

Miller was an Austin firefighter for 23 years before being named fire chief. He retired in 1993, when the city of Austin made the switch from a full-time paid fire department to a combination of full-time and part-time paid firefighters.

He served under two other fire chiefs: John Tobar and Scottie Blowers.

For several years, a son of Miller's, Dana, was a full-time Austin firefighters working under the supervision of his father.

Dan Wilson succeeded Miller.

Jim Mattice, an Austin firefighter and president of the firefighters' local union, said, "We're going to miss him. He was the end of the old era in fire service in Austin."

In his 46-year career with the city, Miller was a part of many milestones in fire service, including the construction of a new fire station..

"He never held a grudge," Mattice said. "You could disagree with him and get in an argument with him and when it was over, he would be asking you for help doing a crossword puzzle."

Current fire chief Wilson said, "Whenever I saw him I always said 'Hi chief!' He will always be the chief to me."

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary of Austin is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com