Des Plaines Firefighter Taken Off Life Support

DES PLAINES, IL — The Des Plaines Professional Firefighters Association announced the death of one of their own Tuesday afternoon, firefighter and paramedic Paul Miller, who officials said was left in critical condition from injuries he suffered during an accident Sunday morning, April 21. According to the Daily Herald, Miller was on life support after a motorcycle crash in Lake Zurich, Des Plaines firefighter Brian Rieger said, adding that the collision happened when another motorist pulled out in front of Miller. Rieger also said Monday evening that Miller was "not doing well" at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) announced on Facebook Tuesday afternoon, "Paul’s family has courageously decided to terminate life-support." MABAS added that several of Miller's organs will be donated, "so that other may live and flourish through – and with – Paul’s spirit."

In a statement posted to Facebook late Tuesday afternoon, the Des Plaines Professional Firefighters Association asked community members to continue to keep "Paul and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time."

A flag ceremony was held at the main hospital flagpole of Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville at 4 p.m. Tuesday, led by Des Plaines Fire Department Chaplain David Haley. During the ceremony, MABAS said a “Gift of Hope” flag was raised in recognition of Miller’s gifts of life to others.

Patch will update this piece as information comes in.