Ricky Albert Hill Jr. was born in Flint, Michigan on October 24, 1973, the son of Ricky and Rebecca (Phillips) Hill Sr. He graduated in 1991 from Carman-Ainsworth High School and joined the Flint Fire Department in 2007, receiving his paramedic license in 2012. Ricky was a paramedic/firefighter and was promoted to apparatus operator in 2019.

Ricky was a proud firefighter who served his community and fire family well. Once becoming an apparatus operator, his fellow firefighters remember him as being the best driver and always the first to help when needed. He helped pull the line and was able to anticipate what was needed at scenes and have it out and ready when somebody would come back to the truck. He always checked on his men and made sure to tell them, “Good job,” and keep their spirits high. He always wanted to help and make a tough job easier for his crew. The department remembers him as a friendly, caring, and compassionate man. No matter where they went, Ricky would stop to make friends and talk to anyone. He listened to his crew and made them feel seen and heard with his sincerity. He never failed to make even the worst shifts better with his sense of humor and sheer light that was infectious to all those around him.

He had a passion for creativity. He was a skateboarder, a talented musician, artist, and pinball player extraordinaire. Ricky was a devout Christian and member of Corunna Road Baptist Church. He enjoyed camping, gardening, the outdoors, and keeping aquariums. Most of all, he was an amazing father, role model, and best friend.

Music was one of Ricky’s biggest passions, and he was talented. He filled his home with instruments and songs. Whether at the station or at home, you could find him with a guitar in his hand, singing (or rapping) a tune. When he wanted to learn how to play a song, he would have it mastered in days. He loved playing his music for other people and loved it even more when they joined in. Whether it was his family, friends, or strangers, he encouraged people to join in on his songs, as he wanted to spread the happiness that music brought into his life with others.

His memory is cherished by his wife, Amira Hill; two children, Ethan and Kailey Hill; his friends and family; and his brothers and sisters at the Flint Fire Department. He is missed dearly and grieved deeply. We honor his memory by remembering to be kind to everyone we meet, singing and dancing and truly listening to each other the same way Ricky would.

We love you and miss you deeply. Continue to watch over us and fill our hearts with your song.