GLEN ELLYN, Ill., July 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 300 people gathered to dedicate the Robert J. Miller Homeland Security Education Center at College of DuPage and to view two new memorials within the building honoring Medal of Honor Recipient Miller and College of DuPage students who have fallen in the line of duty through their service as firefighters, police officers and military service members.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6f77719-f753-4e7d-b91b-e59529627f8a
Click here to see photos from the event.
During his keynote speech, retired U.S. Navy Captain and Medal of Honor Society President Tom Kelley said he was honored and humbled to be a part of the ceremony.
“The SSG Robert J. Miller Homeland Security Education Center is the perfect place to honor the legacy of Rob Miller,” Kelley said. “It was established to train and support first responders and law enforcement personnel and to provide the best preparation possible for people who have dedicated themselves to serving others in their communities, our nation and throughout the world. These professions are not without risk. But for every fallen soldier or first responder lost in the line of duty, there are countless citizens who are safe thanks to their heroism.”
Born in 1983, Miller grew up in Wheaton and attended Wheaton North High School. In 2003, he joined the U.S. Army and spent 18 months completing the training and qualifications required for Special Forces. In 2007, Miller received two Army Commendation Medals for Valor for courage under fire after an eight-month deployment in Afghanistan. Miller was killed in action in January 2008 and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in October 2010. Click here for more information on Miller.
The ceremony on July 6 was attended by Miller’s parents, Phillip and Maureen Miller, as well as Gold Star families; families of COD alumni who have fallen while serving their communities in the military or as first responders; COD students, faculty and staff; and members of the community.
The Homeland Security Education Center opened in 2011 as a state-of-the-art facility that houses the College’s Criminal Justice and Fire Science/EMS programs, as well as the COD Police Department and the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy.
Click here to read more.