The Chief Michael Phillips Memorial Walk that took place on July 5, 2026, honoring the fallen Volunteer Fire Chief. Courtesy photos of Becky Turner.
The Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department and the Cow Creek-area community gathered Sunday, July 5, to honor former Fire Chief Michael Phillips on the one-year anniversary of his disappearance while responding to a rescue call.
The event featured a picnic and a commemorative walk celebrating Phillips’ life and service.
“He was a good man and he is missed, especially by his family,” area resident Becky Turner told DailyTrib.
Phillips was swept away on July 5, 2025, while responding to a distress call east of Marble Falls. Authorities believe he and his vehicle were caught in turbulent floodwaters while attempting to cross Cow Creek. His vehicle was recovered, but his body was never found despite extensive searches.
Since his death, the community has honored Phillips in several ways. Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 6 dedicated its new fire station in his name, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, the Cow Creek-area Community Park was renamed in his honor, and hundreds attended his memorial service at Marble Falls High School.
Phillips served the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and worked for more than 20 years with Marble Falls Independent School District.
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