For J Michael Muller

I’m still struggling to put together words, so I’m going to keep it short and let Muller do the talking. This is about his legacy. For his wife, son, family, and brothers, these photos are about the man he was and the fact that all of us are better for having known him.

“…you have to rededicate yourself every single day. Like we were saying earlier, if you’re not coming in, you’re not finding a way that you can fail, one part of shift. You’re not growing, and you’re not doing anything better for the constituents you swore to protect. Like my friends up in Ohio say, the oath keepers, when you raise your right hand and you took an oath… I don’t know if you necessarily do that in the volunteer side but in the career side… It’s not a ceremonial high five. Right? It’s an oath. It’s a commitment. So live it. Have fun! It’s the best job in the world whether you’re getting paid to do it or whether you’re not. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right. It’s as simple as that. Have fun.”

— James Michael Muller // Last Alarm 5.26.23