IRMO, S.C. — Irmo firefighter James Muller, who died while battling a large fire at a Columbia apartment complex, was laid to rest after getting a hero's farewell from his community.
Muller's funeral service took place Wednesday afternoon at Riverland Hills Baptist Church on Lake Murray Boulevard in Irmo. A private interment followed afterward.
Before service, people lined the streets from Lexington to Irmo along the procession that carried Muller's casket to the church. The casket was placed on the back of an Irmo Fire truck that had a wreath on the front.
At the church, hundreds stood by and bagpipes played as his casket was brought down and into the sanctuary. Once the service began, Muller was remembered for a live of service.
"When live in God's plan you live life to the fullest," said Rev. Kermit Morris, who spoke at the ceremony. "That's exactly what [Muller] was doing. He was living life to the fullest. He was living his dream, his calling."
Muller died while assisting the Columbia Fire Department as it was responding to an apartment fire on Stonebridge Drive. According to Columbia Fire, Muller died following a structure collapse when he was inside the building.
Seven other firefighters - five from Columbia and one other from Irmo - were hurt in the incident, which displaced 19 people.
In the days that followed, Muller's actions have been credited with helping save the residents, putting his own life on the line in the process.
In a press conference on Sunday, Chief Mike Sonefeld and Assistant Chief Sloane Valentino described him as a model firefighter, a man who could inspire others.
"You couldn't help but absorb it when you worked with him," Valentino said. "He made me a better firefighter."
And, according to Sonefeld, his positivity was infectious.
"He was probably the most positive, passionate firefighter I've seen in my 40 years of doing this," he said.
"We had a procession this morning and what we saw from the public - absolutely amazing," he said.
A small procession, including the Muller family, Irmo Fire District, including Irmo Fire District’s Engine 171-that Firefighter Muller was assigned to transport Muller ahead of the funeral service, with law enforcement agencies providing escort.
The family is asked all non-fire personnel attending the funeral wear colorful attire as a tribute.
As for community members who still wish to pay tribute to Muller and honor his family, they can share condolences and sympathy at the Caughman-Harman Funeral Home website or by making a contribution through a page set up by the Irmo Fire Foundation.