Mindy Clifton made an impression on Sabrina Hawkins when the two met years ago as correction officers in Volusia County, Florida.

Instead of becoming fast friends, Hawkins remembers Clifton's unique personality, one she thought would mean the two would be colleagues only and not the best of friends.

"At first, she seemed kind of weird to me. I thought there's something wrong with this lady," Hawkins said. "She was odd, quirky."

But, after 20 years, the two became inseparable, spending time with each other in and out of the office.

"She is bold, wild and untamable," Hawkins said. "She was her own person."

Clifton was among the 1 6 declared dead by authorities following an Oct. 10 explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems near McEwen.

Hawkins said she last spoke to Clifton Oct. 7. Th

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