Marble Falls, TX, Fire Chief Missing in Flood Enjoyed Being a Mentor

July 30, 2025
While the search continues for the beloved fire chief, the Marble Falls community gathered to remember him.

“Now my task before me is to not only help people by going to certain calls, but help all the younger guys try to get as much as they possibly can out of being in the fire service."

That's how Marble Falls Fire Chief Michael Phillips felt about being a mentor. The video clip about his role was played during his memorial service Tuesday.

The beloved fire chief, who is still missing after responding to historic flooding on July 5, was remembered as a dedicated leader and friend, KVUE reported.

“He really stood out — he was an outgoing, funny guy. I noticed quickly that all the members of his department gathered around him. He was certainly the nucleus of that department, and he made us all feel welcome. He was just a wealth of knowledge," East Lake Buchanan Firefighter Michael Rothhammer said.

Rothhammer has been part of the search group looking for Phillips. 

"You're looking for something that you don't want to find, but that you want to find. It was a difficult situation." 

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.