The Austin (TX) firefighters union voiced outrage over Fire Chief Joel G. Baker\u2019s decision to deny their request to assist in flood-stricken Kerrville\u2014despite being hailed as the region\u2019s top swiftwater rescue unit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On July 2, 2025, the State of Texas issued deployment orders ahead of rising floodwaters. According to a social media post from the Austin Firefighters Association, the elite Special Operations teams\u2014trained in swiftwater techniques and boat missions\u2014were ready to mobilize before floodwaters surged. Two Austin Fire Department (AFD) boats and six swiftwater technicians were ready to deploy, but were denied permission to respond. A second request was received on July 4, and it was also denied. However, three AFD rescue swimmers were eventually sent to help airlift victims, and that too wasn\u2019t until late in the day on July 4. The department remained grounded until then, the union claims.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt brings the Austin Firefighters no pleasure \u2026 the Austin Fire Chief DENIED the deployment of Austin firefighters to Kerrville until very late into the event (so today-July 7th!) \u2026 It is absolutely outrageous \u2026 LIVES WERE VERY LIKELY LOST BECAUSE OF CHIEF BAKER\u2019S DECISION!\u201d \u2014 Bob Nicks, Austin Firefighters Association Facebook statement<\/a><\/p>\n Further criticism centered on the motive behind the delay. The union charges Chief Baker prioritized saving money, despite state reimbursement covering full deployment costs. \u201cI explained the reimbursement process \u2026 and he failed to understand this very simple concept,\u201d the statement reads.\u00a0<\/p>\n Firefighters say the department is internationally recognized for its water rescue expertise. AFD personnel undergo regular swiftwater training, including throw-bag techniques, submerged vehicle extrications, indoor flood environments and rescue-boat drills at sites like Barton Springs. Austin is also part of the state\u2019s Texas Urban Search and Rescue Team, Texas Task Force 1 (TXTF1) with 24 boat team members and two TXTF1 boats and equipment ready to deploy at a moment\u2019s notice.\u00a0<\/p>\n Additional partnerships bolster urban water rescue, including a helicopter-support program launched within the past year that includes 10 rescue swimmers. A 2016 report emphasized AFD\u2019s position as one of the state\u2019s most \u201cproficient with rapid water rescue techniques\u201d operating a sixboat swiftwater team\u2014among the most equipped in Texas, placing them on the cutting edge of flood response.\u00a0<\/p>\n