Columbia Mayor issues statement on the death of Irmo firefighter

by Dejon Johnson

Sunday, May 28th 2023

James Muller, 25, an instructor and firefighter who died in the line of duty during a fire at the Tropical Ridge Apartments in Columbia, S.C. on May 26, 2023. following his passing, several agencies from across the country are offering condolences to Muller, his family, and Irmo Fire. (Soda City Training)

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) —

Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann issued a statement following the line-of-duty death of Irmo firefighter James Muller on Friday evening.

“This tragedy breaks the heart of everyone in the Midlands. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the hero, James Michael Muller. It takes a special type of courage to voluntarily run into a burning building to save lives. On behalf of the citizens of Columbia, I want to commend the friends and family of the fallen for knowing a hero. We will mourn this enormous loss with our partners and neighbors in Irmo and help however we can. I also want to express extreme gratitude to the firefighters injured while risking their lives to save others. Thank you. I will pray for quick recoveries. Our citizens are fortunate to have brave people like you among us,” said Rickenmann.