Phillips awarded Medal of Valor posthumously to recognize flood sacrifice
Michael Phillips was chief of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, and served for 30 years before going missing the morning of July 5. File photo
The Texas Fire Chiefs Association recently awarded former Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips with the Medal of Valor, recognizing his efforts and sacrifice during the July 5 floods.
The Medal of Valor, presented on April 15 at the TFCA’s Annual Conference, is given to those who perform acts of extreme courage and bravery in the line of duty.
“Chief Phillips’ actions on that day reflect the very best of the fire service,” reads a TFCA Facebook post. “He placed others before himself without hesitation.”
Phillips is one of the last victims of the flood to remain missing despite several attempts by local and state law enforcement agencies to recover his body in the last nine months. At least 137 people were killed during the flood overall, including five recorded fatalities in Burnet County.
Phillips was on the way to a distress call during the early hours of July 5 when his vehicle was swept away while he attempted to cross Cow Creek on FM 1174 near Marble Falls. His vehicle was recovered, but Phillips’ body was never found.
“Chief Phillips dedicated more than 30 years to the fire service,” reads the TFCA’s post. “He led with quiet strength, steady commitment, and an unwavering sense of duty. His loss is felt deeply within his department, across the fire service, and throughout the community he served.”
Visit the Texas Fire Chiefs Association webpage to learn more about the organization and its mission to recognize leaders throughout national fire services.