VIDEO: May 31, 2013, was a day of heartbreak for the Bayou City.
"It's something that's near and dear to all of us firefighters. It's the worst day we ever had in the Houston Fire Department," said Chris Hill, HFD District Chief in charge of cadet training. A total of five firefighters died while battling a blaze at the Southwest Inn at 6855 Southwest Freeway.
Firefighter Anne McCormick Sullivan had only been with the fire department a few weeks.
"She wanted to be a Spice Girl when she was little," said Mary Sullivan, Anne's mother.
In high school, Anne decided she wanted to serve her community.
"Prior to her coming to Houston Fire Academy, she logged over 5,000 volunteer hours at two different community fire departments," Sullivan said. An award named for Anne is given to outstanding cadets, and it doesn't go to the strongest smartest or fastest.