MARBLE FALLS, Texas — The Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department announced the “End of Watch” for its missing fire chief, who responded to calls for help amid the devastating floods over the July 4th holiday weekend and never returned.
Early in the morning on July 5, MFAVFD Chief Michael Phillips set out in an emergency vehicle to assist victims. The vehicle was eventually located, but there was no sign of the chief.
On July 15, more than 10 days after Phillips went missing, the MFAVFD announced the “End of Watch” for the chief:
Phillips served with the MFAVFD for more than 30 years. His commitment to helping others was also well known among his friends and family.
“[Michael] was the type of guy that went into harm’s way without thinking of the possible consequences that may occur because he had the training, he had the knowledge and he knew that there was a life to be saved,” Rick Bindseil, a family friend of Phillips, told FOX 7. “He was a type of individual that had a heart of gold.”
The Marble Falls Rodeo plans to honor Phillips’ memory on July 18 at Charley Taylor arena; attendees are encouraged to wear red in his honor.
