Latest news with #OPFD
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Woman says former firefighter sexually abused her, fears he will avoid punishment
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — FOX4 spoke with a woman who said she's worried that a former metro firefighter will avoid punishment after she said he sexually assaulted her as a child. FOX4 has agreed to protect her identity. Independence police chief on leave, fires back at 'baseless rumors' in FOX4 interview The former metro firefighter, who has been hailed a hero, is charged with criminal sodomy. There was a hearing for him Thursday in Johnson County, but not much happened. The unidentified woman said she is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Trevor Miller. The City of Overland Park and the Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) are aware of an investigation into a former OPFD employee. 'As soon as the city became aware of the allegations, the former employee was placed on administrative leave,' a spokesperson with the OPFD told FOX4. 'Within a week of being placed on leave, the employee submitted his intention to retire immediately. 'He is no longer an employee of the city or the fire department. The city and Fire department are fully cooperating with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office investigation.' Miller was employed with the city from 1990 to 2023. 'He should be held more accountable for what he's done,' she said. 'For me, personally, growing up, I looked to him as a hero. He's a firefighter for the city. He saves lives.' Miller has been charged with one count of criminal sodomy, from an incident that happened when she was 14. The charge was filed in 2024. 'I knew Trevor growing up as my mother's friend. I saw him occasionally,' she told FOX4. The incident, which occurred in 2012, was reported to law enforcement in October of 2023. At that time, she said Miller was an adult she thought she could confide in. 'In the summer of 2012, I ended up meeting up with him,' she said. 'He took me out to look at Harleys. He taught me how to pump my gas, and he took me to his house and did inappropriate things to me and took me home.' She said she's worried that Miller may get offered a plea agreement – instead of being held accountable for what he's done. Miller has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The case was continued Thursday. The City of Overland Park's website still highlights his efforts to bring a 9/11 memorial to town. 'I don't think he is someone to be looked to as a respectable, trusted member of the community,' she said. 'People should know he's a monster.' Court documents also show that Miller was involved with the 'Camp Inferno' program, which introduced girls to firefighting—and 'he had to be reminded he wasn't there for socializing.' Records show he exchanged information with campers. 'I would definitely say there was grooming. I would definitely say there was sexual abuse,' she said. 'I do encourage people to come forward, but I definitely understand why many don't.' She told FOX4 that she remained silent until 2023, but was driven by two factors to speak out: Having a child of her own The birth of Miller's daughter FOX4 made several attempts to contact Miller's attorney by phone and email; neither inquiry was returned. FOX4 also reached out to the Johnson County District Attorney, who did not comment on the case. Miller has another hearing scheduled for mid-July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighter released from the hospital following fire that destroyed an Ace Hardware
The firefighter who was injured during an emergency response in Orange Park Friday night has been identified. The Orange Park Fire Department said Firefighter Cochran suffered a heat-related medical emergency while working alongside Clay County Fire Rescue and several other agencies. 'Our firefighters worked tirelessly in extreme conditions to contain and extinguish the blaze,' said OPFD. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The fire destroyed the family-owned Hagan Ace Hardware on Blanding Boulevard. Officials said they got the fire under control just after midnight, but the road remained shut down until nearly 9 A.M. Saturday morning. OPFD announced Saturday afternoon that Cochran had been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. No employees or customers were injured. 'We could not be prouder of the men and women of the Orange Park Fire Department who answer the call without hesitation, fully aware of the risks to their own safety,' said OPFD. Their courage, commitment, and professionalism are unwavering." The cause of the fire has not yet been identified, and the State Fire Marshal is investigating. A representative for Hagan Ace Hardware said Friday night that the location was their headquarters and housed its administrative offices, along with important company documents. The company had the following message for the community Saturday: 'THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU! The outpouring of love and support has been amazing. This building wasn't just a 'store' for us. For the past 45 years it has been our 'home base', a place we have created some of our best memories at Hagan Ace. It's so wonderful to see it has been a place of joy for so many of you too. 'As we navigate through this… please be patient with us. Because our main computers run through headquarters our other locations might experience a few hiccups in the coming days. We thank you in advance for your understanding." For the breaking news updates as they happened and videos of the fire, read the original story here. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
