2025 40 Under 40: Brittney Miller

Brittney Miller leads through example. With 10 years of experience at the Springfield Fire Department, she was the third female officer and emergency scene commander and now works as equipment operator in addition to providing peer fitness training and serving on the peer support team. Miller, 36, is also a burn survivor after an incident four years ago. Today, she uses her experience to help others by giving back through involvement with Burns Recovered Support Group Inc. and being a camp counselor at Midwest Children’s Burn Camp.

“I was able to transform a traumatic hardship and use it as a source of motivation, purpose and meaningful action,” she says. “Being able to become an advocate for other burn survivors has been such a blessing for me, and I am excited for everything else to come.”

What would shock people about your job? The gear is insanely heavy. A full set of turnout gear weighs up to 75 pounds, and that is before adding anything extra like tools or hoses.

What did you learn the hard way? Sometimes saying no is necessary!

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Delayed doesn’t mean denied. God’s timing is perfect!

Favorite local drink order? A horchata latte from Eurasia Coffee Co.