LEON SPRING, Texas – A woman who dreamed of helping others and was well on her way to become a volunteer firefighter was killed in a traffic accident this week. Many remember her as a quick learner and someone who was passionate about her job.
Lt. Julian Maldonado, of the Leon Springs Volunteer Fire Department, will never forget the first time he met 19-year-old Annetta Hodson.
“She just happened to meet me on the day before our next training and I gave her my business card, and I told her come out to our next training if you're interested,” Maldonado said. “Sure enough, she showed up that very next day, and ever since then, she showed up to every single training session that we've had.”
Hodson died from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash at Terra Mont and Babcock Road on Wednesday evening. She was heading to a church event following another day of training.
“It hurts us to our core,” Lt. John Leonard said. “I think we're going to think, every day, when we see that empty space, we'll be thinking of her.”
Hodson joined the department in August and had four more months of training. Maldonado called her one of the easiest students he’s ever had.
“Working with Annetta was great. She learned quickly. She remembered everything she needed to know,” Maldonado said. “She knew exactly how to be helpful at a scene, even as a probationary member. She knew exactly what to do.”
“It's not your typical 19-year-old that's spending Friday nights and Saturday nights volunteering at the fire department,” Leonard said. “When she was here working a shift, she was constantly up and moving, constantly learning, looking at the fire department tools, asking questions and getting involved and really getting to know the fellow firefighters and becoming part of the family.”
Maldonado said Hodson had a passion for caring for others and was deeply affected by San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem’s death in May.
“That was her turning point to certainly come here and put in her time,” Maldonado said. “She was motivated, dedicated and she cared about everyone and everything. Doesn't matter if she never knew this person we'd go to help. But she (wanted) to take care of them, (wanted) to check up on them. She (wanted) to do everything she can to make their lives better.”
