REFERENCE TITLE: Matthew Miller; death resolution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

HR 2009

Introduced by

Representatives Shah: Bowers, DeGrazia, Grantham, Senators Fann, Pace

A Resolution

                     on the death of matthew miller.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Matthew Miller passed away on July 10, 2021 in heroic service as an aerial firefighter in northwestern Arizona.

A result of thunderstorms that occurred on July 9, 2021, the Cedar Basin Fire initially burned 300 acres of land near Wikieup, Arizona. The following day, forty-eight-year-old pilot Matthew Miller and sixty-two-year-old Jeff Piechura, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, were performing aerial reconnaissance and command and control as part of initial attack efforts on the growing brushfire. Tragically, the Beechcraft King aircraft they were aboard crashed, and these two community heroes perished.

An accomplished pilot, instructor and fire pilot, Matthew Miller moved to Mesa in 1996 to serve as a flight instructor with what would become Falcon Executive Aviation, Inc.  Passionate about all aspects of the aviation industry, he trained thousands of students over the years and, as a designated pilot examiner with the Federal Aviation Administration, he issued licenses to hundreds of new pilots.  Matt held multiple positions with the flight school, including chief flight instructor, advanced ground instructor, manager, company check airman and safety officer.  He served admirably with the United States Forest Service as an air attack pilot and instructor, and he had an exceptional knowledge of forest service policies and procedures, including fire behavior and tactics.  Matt leaves behind his loving wife, Jacqy, and two stepchildren.

Wildland firefighters face incredible risks to their lives and well-being in order to protect lives, communities and natural resources, and this state owes a debt of gratitude to courageous and dedicated individuals such as Matthew Miller who has given his life in the line of duty. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, many friends and loving family members.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives express their deepest regret at the tragic and untimely passing of Matthew Miller and extend their deepest condolences to his surviving family members.