Flag at half-staff in honor of Flint firefighter Ricky Hill Jr.

This post was updated with new information on March 2, 2023.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a Flint firefighter in the line of duty. The City of Flint offers our deepest condolences to the family of Ricky Hill Jr. and all those who loved him.

Mr. Hill passed away after suffering a possible heart attack during a fire operation Feb. 25. The fire happened at the Elms Mobile Home Park at 2801 S. Dort Hwy. at 2:33 p.m. Mr. Hill collapsed at the scene and was rushed to Hurley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Mr. Hill gave over 15 years of service to the Flint Fire Department. He was 49 years old. The flag at Flint City Hall will remain at half-staff in his honor until Sunday, March 5. Funeral service information is available through Swartz Funeral Home.

Ricky Hill Jr. graduated in 1991 from Carman-Ainsworth High School and joined the Flint Fire Department in 2007. Hill was a dedicated public servant within the Flint Fire Department, an animal lover and an avid pinball player. He was a member of Corunna Road Baptist Church. Hill was also a devoted husband to his wife and father of two. 

“We honor Mr. Ricky Hill Jr.’s commitment to a life of service, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family,” Mayor Sheldon Neely said. “It’s important that we honor the service of all of our first responders, as we are reminded of the dangers they face in the line of duty every day.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and across all public buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, March 3 to honor and remember Flint Firefighter Ricky Hill, Jr., who passed away in the line of duty.

“My heart breaks for the Flint community and the family of Ricky Hill Jr.,” said Governor Whitmer. “He was an example of the selflessness and dedication firefighters across Michigan demonstrate each and every day. Let’s honor this fallen hero and keep his family and the entire Flint Fire Department in our thoughts.”