A community is mourning the loss of former Wyandanch fire chief and retired Suffolk County Police Detective Jack Miller, who died at the age of 75 last week. The emotional farewell unfolded at a wake held at a Babylon funeral home, where members of both the fire service and the police department gathered to honor his legacy.

“It’s a very difficult time right now. We lost a brother, we lost a father figure, a friend,” said Wyandanch Fire Chief Jarvis Brown.

Miller's devotion to the community spanned decades. He served in the Wyandanch Fire Department for an impressive 57 years.

"He was there for the community. He believed in the fire department. He worked hard for the fire department every call he was there," Brown reflected.

In addition to his fire service, Miller was a retired detective with the Suffolk County Police Department, where his dedication to his work and his colleagues left a lasting impact.

Retired Police Lt. Thomas Spreer shared a memory of Miller’s compassionate nature.

“He just cared about everybody, whether you were a neighbor, a friend, or a co-worker on the police department or a member of the fire department. Jack was the kind of guy who was always there for you," he says.

Miller’s funeral service will be held Friday morning in Deer Park.

Heavy traffic is expected on Deer Park Avenue near Saints Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 AM. Drivers are advised to find alternate routes.