By Aileen Wingblad
The Oakland Press,
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A lieutenant with the Springfield Township Fire Department was killed Sunday morning in an explosion outside his home, officials said.
Lt. Jonathan Miner, 50, was reportedly using a grinder and tank while working on a project at his home in the 7000 block of Ridgewood Drive when the explosion occurred. Springfield Township Fire Department paramedics — his colleagues — along with Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the home at around 10:30 a.m., found Miner in the driveway and transported him to an area hospital where he died from his injuries, officials said.
A news release from Fire Chief Matthew Covey states: “It is with profound sadness that the Springfield Township Fire Department announces the sudden and tragic passing of Lieutenant Jonathan Miner at the age of 50.
“On Sunday morning at 10:32 AM, our department was dispatched to a report of a traumatic injury after ‘something had just blown up’ while a man was working on a project in his driveway. The patient was confirmed to be off-duty Lieutenant Miner.”
Miner was a 30-year veteran with the department, “serving the residents of Springfield Township with honor, courage, and compassion,” Covey stated, adding, “He was not only a respected firefighter but also a devoted husband, father, and proud ‘Papa’ whose life revolved around his family. Known for his dedication, his humor, and his ever-present smile, Lt. Miner never let his department or community down. His presence and genuine care made him one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“He leaves behind his loving wife, family, and a fire department family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. We ask the community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers and to respect their privacy during this very difficult time.
“Lieutenant Miner’s service, friendship, and heart will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community he so proudly served.
“Rest easy, brother—we’ll take it from here.”
Support for Miner’s family
Fundraisers via GoFundMe and The Yard Foundation are set up to assist Miner’s family.
As stated on The Yard Foundation site: “He dedicated his life to serving others. Now, it’s our turn to support his family.
“(Miner) was more than a firefighter; he was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a steadfast brother to every member of his department. He was the one you could count on, the one who led from the front, and the one whose presence made every situation better. In an instant, that presence was gone.
“Now, his family faces the unimaginable task of navigating a future without their hero. They are not only dealing with immense grief but are also faced with the unexpected financial burdens that come with such a sudden loss. It’s our turn to answer the call…Let’s show this family they are not alone. Let’s wrap them in the support of the community Jonathon loved and served so faithfully.”
Comments from those mourning Miner’s death describe him as someone who never hesitated to lend a hand, “truly one of the good ones,” kind and genuine.
To donate via The Yard Foundation , go to https://tinyurl.com/4sbvavty. The Yard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Access the GoFundMe donation page at https://tinyurl.com/ywk8kv2c.
An investigation into the explosion continues.
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