Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department is set to hold a public memorial service for their Chief, Michael Phillips, who tragically went missing amid severe flooding earlier this month. As reported by KXAN, the service will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Marble Falls High School Auditorium and will also be available to watch via a YouTube livestream.
While his body has yet to be found, Phillips was last seen attempting to carry out a rescue operation on July 5, when relentless storm waters ravaged the Hill Country area. The Marble Falls Area VFD was compelled to declare its end of watch on July 15—a solemn acknowledgment of a grim reality. A statement by the department, obtained by KXAN, reflected the deep pain of this loss, saying, "He was more than just a friend, mentor, and leader — he was our family. His absence will leave a void in our hearts and our department that cannot be filled."
Search efforts have extended over 20 days, with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) deploying a special force, TX-TF2, to assist, but have so far turned up empty. Despite the somber decision to hold a memorial, Burnet County officials believe to have the option to request further help from TDEM in the future, as stated in a release by KVUE.
To honor Phillips, Burnet County and Gov. Greg Abbott have agreed to lower the Texas flag to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the memorial. Gov. Abbott encouraged not only individuals but also "businesses, municipalities, counties and other political subdivisions and entities in the surrounding area" to similarly pay their respects. In a response backed by profound respect, Abbott said, "The First Lady and I extend our prayers to the Phillips family during their time of grief and urge all Texans to remember and honor his service as a dedicated volunteer who gave his life for his community," as told to KVUE.
