Courageous, humble, knowledgeable, with a great sense of responsibility. These words are often used to describe a superhero. They also describe Captain Stephen Hill. He earned the nickname “Super Steve” when he first joined the Richardson Fire Department in 1999 because of his performance on the job and his love for superheroes.

Being a firefighter was Stephen’s core; he loved it. He was passionate about every aspect of the fire service, down to mopping the floors. His fellow firefighters were his brothers and sisters. The bond he had with them was powerful and unbreakable. Stephen obtained 17 certifications during his tenure at the Richardson Fire Department. He was awarded three lifesaving bars, was a member of the TxTF2, and promoted to captain in 2013.

Stephen had a great sense of responsibility when it came to his crew and teaching at the Fire Academy. He loved to share his knowledge and passion for the fire service with probationary firefighters. His favorite classes to teach were forcible entry, fire tradition, and cancer prevention.

Stephen was a devoted husband of 17 years to Natalie and father to his children, Ellie and Jack. He was a loving son to Ron and Mary Hill and an amazing brother to Daniel and Patrick. He also dearly loved his in-laws, Mike and Tam Sandlin.

His family took priority. He loved playing with his kids, attending their sporting events, and having family dance parties and game and movie nights. He loved to make his family laugh with his quick wit and goofy sense of humor. Stephen was an artist, athlete, writer, and had the patience of a saint. A lover of all music, he believed music was medicine for the soul. Music was and still is constantly playing at the Hill Household.

A Follower of Christ, Stephen lived his life by example. His love for Christ carried through in the way he treated others. He loved unconditionally, passionately, and truly accepted you for your true self. He baptized both his children and shared Christ’s teachings with them. Stephen had a servant’s heart. He was helpful to anyone, no matter the circumstances or situation, and had a compassion to want to help them from the start.

Stephen was a natural warrior, full of integrity, gratitude, and hope. In his own words, Stephen had hope from the promises that Jesus made to him unconditionally, and everything that happens in life is ultimately for good. Stephen’s legacy is to live life to the fullest, love fiercely, be gracious, kind, and always do what is right. He made those who had the honor of knowing him better. Stephen will always be in our hearts.