Vigil for missing VFD chief July 11
A large crowd gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday, July 9, to pray for missing VFD Chief Michael Phillips, who was swept away while on a rescue call during the Fourth of July weekend flood. He is the only known missing victim of the flood in Burnet County. Staff photo by Stacee Hopkins
A candlelight vigil for Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips is 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 11, at the station, 606 Avenue U. Phillips is the last known missing person from Burnet County following the Fourth of July flood.
The Marble Falls VFD held another vigil for Phillips on Wednesday evening.
“At this time, we simply do not have the words to express our deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and resources we’ve received during the ongoing search for Chief Phillips,” reads a July 8 statement from the department. “We will continue the search for Chief Phillips with unwavering determination. Please keep us in your thoughts, and we will share any updates as soon as we are able.”
Phillips went missing July 5 after being swept away by floodwaters in his vehicle at Cow Creek while on a rescue call. His vehicle and other personal effects have been found. The search for Phillips was still ongoing as of noon Thursday.
Burnet County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Mike Sorenson told DailyTrib.com that more search teams are being assembled and the BCSO hopes to soon gain access to ground-penetrating sonar and underwater drones. Searchers are already using at least a dozen dogs, helicopters, horses, ATVs, and more in their search for Phillips.
The bodies of five other flood victims in Burnet County have been recovered, making Phillips the last known missing person.