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Austin Firefighters Union to Hold No-Confidence Vote Over Flood Response

The vote reflects union outrage after specialized rescue teams were held back during deadly Kerr County floods

Trees emerge from flood waters along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported.
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Chief Joel G Baker of the Austin Fire Department. (Source: website of the City of Austin)

Overview

  • The Austin Firefighters Association scheduled a no-confidence vote for July 8 targeting Fire Chief Joel G. Baker over his handling of flood rescues.
  • Union leaders say Baker denied state requests for swiftwater rescue crews on July 2 and 4, delaying deployment until later on July 4.
  • An internal June 6 memo halted out-of-city deployments through October amid about $800,000 in unpaid state reimbursements.
  • Baker denies budget concerns influenced his decision and says he approved three rescue swimmers as soon as he learned of the state’s request.
  • Central Texas flash floods over the Fourth of July killed more than 100 people, including at least 28 campers on the Guadalupe River, intensifying scrutiny of mutual aid policies.