TITLE: In memory of Chief Michael Eugene Phillips of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department.

SUMMARY: In memory of Chief Michael Eugene Phillips of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt by the family, friends, and colleagues of Chief Michael Eugene Phillips of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, who died in the line of duty on July 5, 2025, at the age of 66; and WHEREAS, Born in Del Rio on September 25, 1958, Michael Phillips was the son of Carl and Irene Phillips, and he grew up with a sister, Deborah; after high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and worked on jet engines for almost a decade; he next obtained degrees in electronics and fire science; and WHEREAS, In 1995, Mr. Phillips began a 30-year career with the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department; rising to the position of chief in 2016, he earned a reputation for leading with humility, compassion, and strength; a certified emergency medical technician and master firefighter, he was also a Level III instructor, and he trained countless firefighters across Texas; and WHEREAS, Chief Phillips also achieved distinction as the maintenance director and bond director for the Marble Falls Independent School District; he spent 28 years there, directing facility operations and major construction and renovations; and WHEREAS, At about 4:30 a.m. on July 5, as catastrophic flooding swept through Burnet County, the Marble Falls fire department received a call that individuals were trapped in water near Cow Creek; Chief Phillips was the first on the scene; demonstrating remarkable bravery, he was in the process of attempting a rescue when he was swept into the creek by the surging floodwaters; his tragic death has inspired an outpouring of prayers and support from citizens across the region, and he was posthumously honored during a ceremony as part of the annual First Responders Night at the Marble Falls Rodeo; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Chief Phillips benefited from the love and support of his wife of nearly five decades, Cecilia, their daughter, Megan, and their two grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Michael Phillips lived a life defined by courage and integrity, and he leaves behind a record of service that will long resonate in Marble Falls and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Chief Michael Eugene Phillips and extend profound condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Cecilia; to his daughter, Megan, and her husband; to his grandchildren, Paxton and Ryker; to his sister, Deborah; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Chief Michael Phillips.