A Texas fire chief initially refused to deploy emergency crews during the deadly flash floods that struck Kerr County early on July 4, reportedly prioritizing cost-cutting over public safety.
The Austin Firefighters Association called for the dismissal of Fire Chief Joel G. Baker, citing his refusal to authorize the deployment of the Austin Fire Department's Special Operations teams, which are trained in swift water rescue, until Monday. The decision to finally send out rescue teams came after at least 91 people, including 28 children, died in the deadly floods, with dozens still missing.
