Bud was a dedicated public servant for the Aurora Fire Department in Colorado for 31 years. Bud passed away after a battle with cancer which resulted from years of exposure while responding and mitigating thousands of calls for service. Bud was a consummate professional and highly respected as a person you wanted on an emergency scene. Bud’s command presence as a company officer, coupled with a pragmatic approach, ensured all calls for service would be mitigated effectively and efficiently.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Army and serving in Vietnam, Bud came back to Denver, Colorado, and answered an ad for the Aurora Fire Department. Bud was hired on May 1, 1973, and after spending years as a firefighter and chief’s driver, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1983. During his tenure as a lieutenant, he served on various truck and engine companies, serving the citizens and fellow firefighters. Toward the end of his career, Bud accepted a request to be the lead instructor at the Rocky Mountain Fire Academy to ensure newly hired firefighters gained his perspective and experience. The transference of his institutional and anecdotal knowledge to the next generation produced a legacy of competent firefighters for years to come. Bud truly loved the profession and consistently commented on how lucky he was to be an Aurora firefighter.

Bud was a staunch family man. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Bud enjoyed golfing, riding his Harley, and spending time at his cabin in Grand Lake, Colorado, with his wife, Cherry. Bud is loved and cherished by so many people that had the honor of knowing him. He will never be forgotten and always remembered as one of the “good guys.” The Hills family will honor Bud by continued progression through accomplishments, dedication, ethical and caring behavior, which has always been the foundation for his actions. Bud Hills will truly be missed by so many, but never forgotten.