Pocono News Section

Tunkhannock Pays Tribute to Trooper Miller

Tunkhannock Pays Tribute to Trooper Miller - Friday, June 12, 2009 at 11:15PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Jun 12, 2009 @ 11:15pm EST

TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY -- People lined the streets of Tunkhannock to pay tribute as the funeral procession for Trooper Josh Miller came through the borough where he was once a police officer.

Troy Venesky came to honor Miller. Venesky's dad is a state trooper, too, and he knows how important and dangerous the job is.

"They help people," said five-year-old Venesky. When asked how he felt about his dad and Miller, he said, "Very proud."

Charles Welch's son-in-law is a state trooper as well. He came out with his family to honor Miller, even though they didn't know him.

"You honor everybody, because it could've been him," said Welch, referring to his son-in-law. "It's a tough job."

Trooper Miller's death brings back haunting memories for Eileen Eddins. Her brother was a state trooper in Mansfield and was killed in the line of duty in 1977.

"That's 32 years ago, and it never gets better," said Eddins. She remembers the overwhelming turnout when her brother died, and the comfort it brought her family. "To see everybody there then feels just like today. Get out there and support the family."

That's exactly what Troy Venesky and his two-year-old sister, Mia, are doing.

"I'm here because I have to wave my flag," said Mia.

"To help him go up to Heaven," added Troy.

Many waited hours to pay their final respects to Miller, including Dick Babcock.

"They need to have the family see them out here with support," said Babcock. He calls Miller a hero. "He didn't know these people he was helping out. He heard somebody needed his help to rescue a 9-year-old boy, and he did."

Local volunteer fire departments formed a ladder arch, draping an American flag to honor Miller as the procession passed the state police barracks in Tunkhannock.

Nine-year-old Mary Zeunen and her family brought out an American flag to hold as Miller's family and police from all over the state and country passed by. She used two simple words to describe Miller.

"Very brave," said Zeunen. "He had kids, and we're kids, and his kids don't have a father anymore, and that's sad."

But these people hope their thoughts and prayers are enough to carry the Miller family through this difficult time.