Author Archives: QCHOA

Quail Creek resident, Justin Hood, has risen to the rank of Chief in the Dallas Fire Department!

This achievement is extraordinary, especially in light of the size of the department and a highly competitive atmosphere among firefighters.  As he did when he was working to earn the rank of Lieutenant and Captain, Justin faced a comprehensive written exam to qualify as a finalist.

The real test took place a few weeks later at the Kay Bailey Convention Center in Dallas where he faced a rigorous three-day interview process, where Fire Chief’s from around the nation were flown in to evaluate candidates that were confronted with mock scenarios of real-world situations.  Candidates were required to respond to and demonstrate their ability to prioritize and work through the problems, and as they did that, new situations and challenges were added to mirror the dynamic nature of the command.

Incredibly, Justin ranked #8 out of a large pool of finalists, with just fractions of points separating him from those who ranked higher!

So “Captain Hood” is now officially “Chief Hood,” though we can all still call him Justin!

Justin and his wife Jennifer have lived in Quail Creek for seven years and have a ten-year-old daughter, Abby.  Three years ago this May, the Lord took their four-year-old son, David, home to heaven following a lifetime of medical challenges due to a rare heart defect.

Those who know him best see Justin as a hard-charging individual whose life is not defined by his duties with the fire department, but by his faith in Jesus Christ.  As an example of this, many will remember when Justin officiated at the funeral of his next-door neighbor and friend, Lonnie Cannon, last month.

We are all very proud to have a DFD fire chief living in our neighborhood, but even more grateful to have a man like Justin as our neighbor.

Last night at approximately 10pm our dear neighbor Mr. Lonnie Cannon passed away at his home surrounded by his family. Lonnie & his beloved wife Marilyn moved here about three years ago from East Texas so that Marilyn could be closer to doctors as she successfully battled cancer. A few months ago, however, Lonnie was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Lonnie & Marilyn Cannon Celebrate 51 years of Marriage

Lonnie loved sitting on his back porch looking out to watch the cows graze in the open pasture. When warm weather came around each year he was often seen mounted on his riding mower or tending the landscape that has always looked pristine and well manicured.

His immediate neighbors, Justin & Jennifer Hood, shared how much they have enjoyed having the Cannons for neighbors as Lonnie loved teasing Justin about how tired he got from watching Justin do every project “the hard way.” Despite the fact that he was more than twice Justin’s age, Lonnie would often take it upon himself to come over and help fix a project Justin may have been working on. Most of all, the Hoods shared that they will miss those times that they just sat out on Lonnie’s back porch to talk as neighbors.

Over the past couple of weeks, Mr. Cannon was most enthusiastic about his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He shared about how he accepted the gift of eternal life that he could never have earned on his own without the good news of grace through Christ alone.

The Cannon’s and the Hoods have both shared in the grief of losing a son at very young ages. So it is understandable that in one of the last times they spoke, Justin asked Lonnie that when he sees their son David in Heaven to give him a hug for his daddy, which Mr. Cannon said he was eager to do.

Lonnie said that he was ready to go Home but worried about leaving the love of his life Marilyn alone. Along with the Hoods, we have committed to help Marilyn in whatever ways we are able and invite all neighbors to join with us in taking care of Mrs. Cannon. Obviously her family is present and tending to her needs at this time but we know that as days pass the opportunity to reach out to her will be more abundant. We will post some opportunities to love Mrs. Cannon, like preparing meals, tending the lawn, etc, soon so if you or your family is interested in helping out then keep watching on Nextdoor or message me to let me know how you might be able to help.

VIDEO:  Quail Creek Resident and Councilman, Robert Steinhagen, pays tribute to Mr. Cannon during the March 14 City Council Meeting