Memorial service July 29 for Chief Phillips
A flag hangs from the ladder of a fire engine in honor of Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips, who went missing while responding to a distress call during the Fourth of July weekend flood. A memorial service is planned for July 29, 2025. Photo courtesy of Marble Falls Area VFD
A memorial service for missing Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips is 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, in the auditorium at Marble Falls High School, 2101 Mustang Drive.
Phillips was swept away by the raging waters of Cow Creek on July 5 while responding to a distress call during the flood that ripped through the Highland Lakes and Central Texas. The search for the chief is still ongoing as of Wednesday, July 23.
“We invite our community to come together in remembrance of Chief Michael Phillips of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department,” reads a VFD social media post. “Chief Phillips served with honor, integrity, and deep commitment to our community. Join us as we celebrate his life, legacy, and lasting impact.”
The VFD asks that any department wanting to participate in a procession for Phillips email mfavfdstation@gmail.com.
Phillips was with the volunteer department for 30 years and worked for the Marble Falls Independent School District for 28 years.
The community has honored Phillips’ service with candlelight vigils as well as a moment of silence and flag ceremony at the Marble Falls Rodeo on July 18. The VFD announced an “end of watch” for the chief on July 15.
Maryum Mitchell told DailyTrib.com about receiving help from Chief Phillips on July 3, shortly before the flooding began. Mitchell’s mother was on the outskirts of Marble Falls when her vehicle caught fire due to a mechanical failure. Mitchell arrived to help and was quickly followed by Phillips and other volunteer firefighters responding to the call.
“When he came to assist us, I admired his calm, peaceful demeanor,” Mitchell said in her email to DailyTrib.com. “He and his crew helped us move the vehicle to a safe location and as one of the other members was calling the tow truck, (Phillips) engaged in conversation with us asking about our time in the area and mentioning his family including his grandkids.
“He was such a proud family man and that stuck with me on top of genuinely worrying about my mom’s well-being. Once the tow was arranged, he stayed back and ushered us to my van to leave safely off (RR) 1431. I’ve never met such a kind and compassionate crew who genuinely cared for our safety.
“The car unfortunately blew an hour after we left when the tow truck arrived and thankfully, no one was injured. We owe a great deal of that to Chief Phillips and his crew for moving the vehicle to a safer location and away from the major roadway.”