The Killeen community is facing a solemn moment as it mourns the loss of Fire Captain Marvin Taylor III, who perished in a car accident this past weekend, CBS Austin reports. Captain Taylor, who joined the Killeen Fire Department in 2014 and climbed the ranks to become a Captain by July 2024, was rear-ended by a speeding vehicle after leaving an Austin hospital where he celebrated the birth of his fifth child.
According to details from a KCEN-TV article, the accident took place early Sunday morning as Captain Taylor was on his way to bring his other children to the hospital to meet their new sibling, the driver of the vehicle that caused the crash has been arrested by the Austin Police, and an Austin Police Officer was among the first responders at the accident scene, where despite rapid emergency medical care, Captain Taylor died at the crash site.
The city of Killeen and Mayor Debbie Nash-King have extended their deepest condolences, with Nash-King saying, "Captain Taylor showcased dedication, selflessness and courage daily and will be greatly missed," in a statement obtained by CBS Austin. In remembrance of Taylor's service, flags at municipal buildings have been ordered to fly at half-staff from 8 a.m. Monday until the morning following his interment.
Remembered for his leadership and deployments with Texas A&M Task Force 1 and TIFMAS, Taylor also achieved numerous fire-related certifications and played a critical role in the Training Division at the time of his promotion, the city's statement highlighted his professional accomplishments as well as his impact on the Killeen Fire Department and community at large, according to the same CBS Austin report. Such support is a testament to the tight-knit nature of the first responders' community, who embody a bond that transcends the constraints of any one city or department.
The Killeen and Austin fire departments, along with local EMS, are providing relentless support to Captain Taylor's family and the Killeen Fire Department during this time of loss, with firefighters standing watch over Taylor and will continue to remain by his side until funeral services are conducted, as mentioned in a KCEN-TV release. Further details on memorial services and ways to support Captain Taylor's family will be shared in the days to come.
