“End of the clock” for missing fire chief

Michael Phillips, the volunteer fire chief of Marble Falls, is still missing 11 days after he was swept away by the flood on July 5 while responding to an emergency call. Photo with the kind permission of Marble Falls Area VfD

Family, friends and first aiders are still looking for a missing Marble Falls Area Volunteer -Feuerwehr boss Michael Phillips, but his department and those who are closest to him have announced an “end of the clock” for the first aid.

Phillips was swept away into his vehicle when he tried to cross Cow Creek while he reacted to an emergency call on July 5th in the middle of the chaos of the flood of July. He was one of six people known that they had disappeared during the catastrophe in Burnet County. The bodies of the other five were recovered, but the boss was not found from Wednesday, July 16.

The Marmor Falls Area volunteer fire brigade announced an official end of the Watch for Phillips on Tuesday:

“With a heavy heart we cancel the end of the guard for our boss Michael Phillips. An end to the clock is usually created when a first aider dies from a long career of services or dies.

“Boss Phillips died in service, while he reacted to a call for service in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025. At that time he still lacks.

“He was more than just a friend, mentor and leader – he was our family. His absence will leave an emptiness in our hearts and our department, which cannot be filled. We will honor his inheritance and the extraordinary service, which he passed on to our community by continued to be the first hemscher he was striving for us.

“We love you, boss.

“Rest in peace because we have it from here.”

Phillips is known in the Highland Lakes Community and worked for 30 years at the volunteer fire brigade and 28 years in Marmor Falls Independent School District.

“I still don't know that I am ready to talk about it,” the firefighter David Short told Dailytrib.com on Wednesday.

Short has known Phillips since 1983 and worked with him in the morning where he was missing.

“In the further course of the search, our hearts are difficult for grief,” says Monday, July 14th, in a marble case. “Michael's unshakable commitment to the protection of others – in his final act of service – is a strong reflection of the man we know.

“We offer the Phillips family, the Marble Falls (area) VFD and everyone who knew him and loved it. He will always be remembered as a real hero.”

The municipality of Marmor Falls became in force when she honored and mourned and mourned a memorial for flowers, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles, candles and a copy of the fire prayer at the 606 Avenue U.

Phillips will also be honored on Friday, July 18, at 8 p.m. in the Marble Falls Rodeo during the first aid recognition. The rodeo will take place on Friday and Saturday in the Charley Taylor Arena, 3053 US 281.

dakota@thepicayune.com