Austin Fire Chief Joel G. Baker is facing severe criticism following allegations that he denied the deployment of Austin firefighters to assist in Kerrville amidst the devastating flooding that recently struck Central Texas.
The Austin Firefighters Association (AFA) took to Facebook on July 7 to voice their outrage, labeling Chief Baker’s decision as an “egregious dereliction of duty,” which they argue may have cost lives during this critical time.
The association stated that deployment orders from the State of Texas were issued on July 2, but Chief Baker did not approve the mobilization of Austin firefighters until late into the event on July 4, allowing for only a minimal deployment of three AFD rescue swimmers who supported helicopter rescue teams.
AFA emphasized in their post that the Austin Firefighter Special Operations teams are highly trained for swift water rescue, asserting that they are among the best in Texas. They criticized Baker for not taking immediate action to deploy the experienced teams when lives were on the line.
The AFA post accused Chief Baker of prioritizing financial considerations over public safety, claiming he misunderstood the reimbursement process that allows fire departments to receive funding for deployment.
In their statement, the AFA expressed disgust at their chief, calling for his immediate accountability and even implying that he should be fired for his inaction during the floods. They announced a vote of no confidence would be organized against him on July 8, 2023.
In light of the devastation, which has reportedly led to at least 104 fatalities, including a significant number in Kerr County and several missing individuals, the AFA articulated their need for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the community.
The situation escalated as the community and its firefighters grappled with grief for the lost lives due to the flooding. The AFA, while refraining from publicly airing grievances during the recovery efforts, indicated it was now time to hold Chief Baker accountable and call for a transparent process concerning his leadership and the decision-making that may have contributed to the tragedy.
On the opposite side, the Austin Fire Department defended Chief Baker’s decisions through an official statement. They highlighted the complexity involved in resource allocation during emergency situations and emphasized the need to balance regional support with adequate resources for their own city amidst unpredictable weather conditions.
The Fire Department noted that they had deployed personnel in stages, starting with three rescue swimmers in conjunction with the Texas Task Force 1 helicopter search and rescue team, followed by several additional crew deployments on subsequent days to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Despite the AFA’s mounting criticism, the Austin Fire Department stressed their commitment to being a reliable public safety partner in the region. They maintained that their operations reflected a careful decision-making process aimed to ensure safety for both the afflicted and their own community.
The outcry over Chief Baker’s decision coincides with ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of a natural disaster that has impacted numerous families and claimed many lives. As of the evening of July 7, the toll from the flooding remains tragic, with extensive damage reported across several counties, including significant casualties in Travis and Burnet Counties.
The AFA has stated their commitment to maintaining transparency as they pursue their resolution regarding Chief Baker, aiming to ensure that these events are not repeated in the future.
Communities affected by the flooding continue to mourn their losses while facing the arduous task of recovery, with hopes that better decisions can be made in future emergency responses to prevent such a heartbreaking outcome.
A press conference regarding the vote of no confidence against Chief Baker is set to be held on July 8 at 11 a.m., promising to address the deep concerns expressed by the firefighters and the community at large during this unprecedented situation.
image source from：fox7austin
