By Megan Wehring
BUDA – Local first responders are remembering a fallen officer and his service to the community.
Buda Animal Control Officer Jonathon Coco, 25, and his brother Hunter Coco, 21, died in a traffic accident while returning from assisting with a wildfire on Texas Highway 20 outside of Lockhart around 1:48 p.m. on Monday, June 20. Jonathan was also a member of the Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) since 2016 and Hunter was a member for over a year.
"Jonathon was an excellent firefighter and an even better human being,” said Samantha Lucas of the Maxwell VFD. “His personality was bigger than this world and that allowed him to amass a lot of friendships over the years. He had aspirations to become Maxwell Community VFD's first paid firefighter and a Fire Marshall someday. Not a single one of us doubted he would achieve those goals. He brought a lot of joy, understanding and companionship to our fire department so moving forward, without him and Hunter, will be hard. As difficult as it may be, we will navigate this great loss together as a fire family by keeping their memories alive."
Jonathon was considered to be an integral part of the Buda Police Department for the past four years, serving beyond his role as Animal Control Officer to a support person for Information Technology and vehicle operations.
“We at the city of Buda are heartbroken from the tragic loss of ACO Jonathon and his brother Hunter,” said Micah Grau, City Manager. “Jonathon served the Buda community for over four years, and his loss is tremendous for all that he did for the Buda Police Department and for all that he did to build camaraderie and joy within the organization. Our prayers are with Jonathon and Hunter's family and with the Maxwell Fire Department.”
Along with the Maxwell VFD, the Buda PD wishes that the community will keep the Coco family in their thoughts and prayers.
“Our hearts are broken from the loss of not only a valued employee, but also a great person and friend,” said Bo Kidd, Buda Police Chief. “The tragic loss of Jonathon and Hunter Coco has been devastating for the communities they served.”
