By Kevin Turner
Florida Times-Union
Copyright 2007 The Florida Times-Union
HILLIARD, Fla. — Hilliard resident and firefighter William Anthony Reeves may have been only 20, but he had more than two years of firefighting experience when he was fatally injured May 9 in car crash on his way to help fight the Ware County fire in Georgia.
He died from his injuries May 12.
Reeves worked for the Brunswick, Ga., Fire Department. He also volunteered with the River Road Volunteer Fire Department after previously working with the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department, River Road Chief L.J. Bennett said.
Bennett remembers Reeves as cheerful, enthusiastic and reliable.
“Every time you saw him, he had a smile,” Bennett said. “And I don’t think he ever met a stranger. He liked everyone he met. Whenever there was a call, he was always available. You could depend on him totally.”
Emergency officials rushed Bennett to Shands Hospital Jacksonville May 9 following a one-car accident on County Road 108 south of Hilliard, Bennett said.
Reeves lost control of his car and hit a roadside culvert, causing the vehicle to flip. Josh Connner, also a volunteer firefighter, was riding in the passenger seat and suffered an arm injury, Bennett said.
Reeves and his father, Mark Reeves, went through Florida firefighting certification together and were both volunteer firefighters, Reeves said.
Bennett said Reeves died 19 days short of his 21st birthday.
“He was an outstanding fireman. We’re really going to miss him,” he said.