HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE— Two-time commonwealth games first place winner and British Olympian Hammer Thrower Nicholas Miller has temporarily put down the hammer, instead picking up weed whackers and household tools in order to help his community and pay it forward through everyday tasks.
Miller first attended the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil placing at 22. Next he competed in Tokyo, Japan placing sixth. After suffering from some recent medical issues and looking at having shoulder surgery in the near future, Miller has taken the year off from training for and ultimately competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. With more extra time than ever before, Miller shared “I used to represent my country, and now I can’t. I need something motivating to feel good.” He then found a way to stave off the boredom while helping the members of his community and inspiring others to do the same.
Miller has lived in Lake County for the past four years, currently residing in Hidden Valley Lake with his wife Sarah Miller whose family owns and operates Armed Pest Control. After an instance where his elderly neighbor was forced to pay someone to change the batteries in his dying smoke alarm, Miller decided he could step in to fill these gaps. “I get that people need a paycheck, but if more people helped each other, it would make a big difference,” he said. From there on out Miller has dedicated a few hours every week to helping his community, through a multitude of tasks. Miller shared “I just enjoy doing it, anything really, like small tasks around the house.”
Miller noted “There seems to be a lot of arguing in our neighborhood over the HOA (Home Owners Association)” who will cite home and lot owners over unabated and overgrown vegetation while offering zero solutions. Instead of complaining about it, Miller rustled up some volunteers, spoke with local fire departments for guidance and equipment, and set out to mow down this worrisome growth, aiding in the community’s wildfire safety and preparedness. Miller expressed his gratitude for Matt Metcalf and Steve Lampert, as they have been volunteering alongside Miller who now has five to six volunteers with him.
Through a program called Operation Force Multiplier offered by the South Lake Fire Protection District Miller was able to obtain fire extinguishing equipment for the vehicles operated by the Armed Pest Control fleet. This program aims to distribute approximately 100 fire extinguishers, heavy duty bracket holders, as well as fire rake tools in the hopes that average individuals who may see the beginnings of a wildfire before first responders have arrived can fight that fire with professional firefighting tools. According to the southlakefire.org website, the Operation Force Multiplier program has been a success, and sign-ups for this year have yet to be opened.
Miller explained that throughout his life he has been lucky enough to experience help when he needed it, always being told to “pay it forward” saying “people need help, I’m able to, so why not?” He believes his actions could be contagious and hopes these acts of kindness will catch on. “Hopefully this will inspire other people to get out and help,” he said and added, “Do something good, without any offer of anything.”
The best way to contact Miller is through his Facebook page where he receives a plethora of messages from both those seeking his assistance as well as those commending his efforts and thanking him for his work in the community. Miller requests that if you do require his services that you send him a private message, and also asks that people do not take advantage of him stating “If you can afford it otherwise, please don’t use my services.”
