By Carol Robinson
al.com
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — An Alabama firefighter killed while responding to wildfires in western Colorado had found her calling in wildland fire management, said those who loved her.
Sydney Watson, 27, was one of three firefighters killed June 27 while responding to wildfires in western Colorado. Also killed were Emily Barker, 38, of Michigan and Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Arizona.
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“Syd deeply loved her job and her crewmates,” according to her obituary.
Watson was a 2016 graduate of Corner High School, where she was a softball standout. She went on to play at the University of Tennessee-Southern, where she graduated in 2019 with a degree in wildlife biology.
She spent 2 ½ years with North Carolina State Parks Fire Management and over two years with the U.S. Forest Service based out of the Prescott National Forest.
She had recently transferred to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service with the Rifle Helitack Crew out of Colorado.
“Syd was an avid hiker, backpacker, and car-camper, an occasional trail-runner, had recently taken up mountain biking, and loved to soak up the sun by any body of water she could find,” according to her obituary.
“She loved all wildlife, taking early hikes to watch the sunrise, and finding flowers in the desert,” the tribute read. “She was a minimalist, had a passion for conservation, and proudly practiced the “dirtbag” lifestyle.”
Most importantly, family said, Watson “was a believer and is now with Jesus in Heaven and exploring new wonders.”
“To honor her memory, choose to spend more time outdoors, enjoy the quiet of nature, watch the sunrise, and “leave no trace.”
The family will receive visitors Tuesday, July 7 , at 4 p.m. at Highpoint Community Church in Empire. A service will follow at 6 p.m.
“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy.
“Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss.
“These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service,” Fennessy said. “Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”
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