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Camden County’s first responder community lost one of its own Saturday, April 18.
A 911 dispatcher for many years, Rachel Hodge worked the night shift, left work around 6 a.m. and was killed when her car collided with a semi truck at 6:15 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95, according to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.
“Rachel’s spirit left this world instantly,” the sheriff’s office shared on its Facebook page Monday. “As the first responders walked the scene of the mass of metal left in the roadway, their faces showed disbelief of what had occurred. On the edge of the highway right of way, near the fence line, stood two wooden crosses that marked the spot where two other lives perished years before.
“The faceless emotion of all on the scene reminded everyone that one of their beloved communications officers had perished. A life that just moments before had been assisting those in need and directing fire and law enforcement personnel to where they were responding.”
Hodge, who lived in St. Marys, was 26 years old. She is survived by baby daughter, Maeleigh; parents, Chris and Melissa Hodge; and boyfriend, Hunter Albritton. Her obituary is printed on page 2.
Hodge had been a 911 dispatcher for seven years and came from a law enforcement family. Her father works with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and part-time with CCSO. Her grandfather and uncle also worked for CCSO in the past. She was known as a caring coworker who exuded professionalism.
“She was always calming and reassuring to the people who had called for assistance,” according to CCSO. “First responders knew Rachel would gather as much information (as) possible before sending them on a call.”
A private service was held Wednesday at Christ Church Camden and live streamed. First responders lined Kings Bay Road to honor her.