‘End of watch’ for missing fire chief
Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips (right). Photo courtesy of Marble Falls Area VFD
Family, friends, and first responders are still looking for missing Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips, but his department and those closest to him have announced an “end of watch” for the first responder after 11 days of searching.
Phillips was swept away in his vehicle as he attempted to cross Cow Creek while responding to a distress call July 5 amid the chaos of the Fourth of July flood. He was one of six people known to have gone missing in Burnet County during the disaster. The bodies of the other five have been recovered, but the chief had not been found as of Wednesday, July 16.
The Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department announced an official end of watch for Phillips on Tuesday. An end of watch is typically made when a first responder retires from a long career of service or dies in the line of duty. It is often a solemn moment announced over dispatch lines followed by a period of silence to honor the service of a retiree or the dead.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the end of watch for our Chief, Michael Phillips,” the department posted on social media.
“Chief Phillips passed away in the line of duty while responding to a call for service in the early morning hours of July 5th, 2025. At this time, he remains missing.
“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. We will honor his legacy and the extraordinary service he gave to our community by continuing to be the first responders he strived for us to be.
“We love you Chief.
“Rest in peace because we’ve got it from here.”
Phillips is well known in the Highland Lakes community, having served with the volunteer fire department for 30 years and the Marble Falls Independent School District for 28 years.
“I don’t know that I am ready to talk about it just yet,” firefighter David Short told DailyTrib.com on Wednesday.
Short has known Phillips since 1983 and was working with him the morning he went missing.
“As the search continues, our hearts are heavy with grief,” reads a Marble Falls ISD statement on Monday, July 14. “Michael’s unwavering commitment to protecting others—demonstrated in his final act of service—is a powerful reflection of the man we know him to be.
“We offer our deepest love and prayers to the Phillips family, the Marble Falls (Area) VFD, and all who knew and loved him. He will always be remembered as a true hero.”
The Marble Falls community turned out in force as they remembered, honored, and mourned Phillips during a candlelight vigil July 11 at the volunteer fire station at 606 Avenue U. A memorial of flowers, candles, and charms adorn the department’s Engine 22, parked out front, along with a copy of the Fireman’s Prayer.
Phillips also will be honored at 8 p.m. Friday, July 18, at the Marble Falls Rodeo during the first responders recognition ceremony. The rodeo takes place Friday and Saturday at Charley Taylor Arena, 3053 U.S. 281.