Local Firefighters Join Critical Response Efforts in Kerrville Flood Zone

As devastating floods continue to ravage the Texas Hill Country, local first responders from GFR and surrounding departments are now on the ground in Kerrville, lending their expertise to a massive search, rescue, and recovery effort.

Three members of the Groesbeck Volunteer Fire Department—Captain Kody Daniel, Lieutenant Justin Hart, and Firefighter Roxanne Morris—were deployed on July 6 alongside a firefighter from the Robinson Fire Department. Traveling in a Robinson FD engine, the group joined a statewide Strike Team composed of both urban and rural fire crews. They arrived at their assigned location late last night and are scheduled to begin operations at 7 p.m. today, July 7.

The Strike Team is coordinating across devastated areas in Kerr County, where emergency crews are working under extreme conditions following catastrophic flash floods that began on July 4. The GVFD responders will be engaged in a range of critical duties, including search, rescue, and recovery operations in terrain deeply altered by the flooding.

Their mission is part of a larger response to what officials are calling one of the worst natural disasters in Central Texas in recent memory. Record rainfall—between 6 and 20 inches in some areas—caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 26 feet in under an hour. Entire neighborhoods in Kerrville, Hunt, and Ingram were engulfed, cabins were swept away, and infrastructure was heavily damaged.

So far, over 120 lives have been lost, including dozens of children—over two dozen of whom were from Camp Mystic, a summer camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed late Tuesday afternoon that over 160 people are still missing, which is a dramatic uptick from the number believed even that morning, announced by multiple large news organizations as around 20.  The still-missing count is currently at least 150. 

Despite the tragedy, the response from emergency personnel across Texas has been swift and determined. Over 850 people have already been rescued, many by boat or helicopter, and the combined efforts of state, federal, and volunteer crews continue around the clock.

As operations continue in Kerrville and surrounding areas, families across Texas are watching closely, waiting for news of loved ones—and grateful for the responders risking their own safety to help bring others home.

The GVFD team’s presence in Kerrville serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there are those who run toward danger. Their work in the coming days will be challenging, but their community stands behind them.

Godspeed to Capt. Daniel, Lt. Hart, FF Morris, and the many others answering the call.