Fact Check: AUSTIN FIRE CHIEF REFUSED TO SEND RESCUE TEAMS BEFORE DEADLY TEXAS FLOODS-OVER AN $800,000 PAYBACK DISPUTEaccessible 119 dead 27 of them children. The state begged Austin for help. Chief Joel G. Baker said no.

Fact Check: AUSTIN FIRE CHIEF REFUSED TO SEND RESCUE TEAMS BEFORE DEADLY TEXAS FLOODS - OVER AN $800,000 PAYBACK DISPUTE

What We Know

The claim that Austin Fire Chief Joel G. Baker refused to send rescue teams before the deadly Texas floods, allegedly due to an $800,000 dispute with the state, has been the subject of significant controversy. Reports indicate that the Austin Fire Department (AFD) was requested to deploy swift water rescue teams to Kerr County just days before catastrophic flooding occurred, which resulted in 119 fatalities, including 27 children (source-1). The Austin Firefighters Association has accused Chief Baker of a "dereliction of duty," claiming that lives were likely lost due to his decision to deny these requests (source-3).

Baker, however, has defended his actions, stating that he was informed of three requests for assistance on July 4, and while a dispatcher request was denied, rescue swimmers were sent (source-4). He emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate resources remained in Austin to respond to potential local emergencies (source-4).

The situation escalated to a vote of no confidence against Baker by the firefighters' union, which passed overwhelmingly, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with his leadership during the crisis (source-2).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim is mixed. On one hand, the firefighters' union has strongly criticized Chief Baker's decision-making, asserting that a budget shortfall related to the $800,000 owed to the AFD by the state influenced his refusal to deploy teams (source-1). Union President Bob Nicks has been vocal about the potential lives lost due to the delayed response, suggesting that the AFD had the necessary resources and training to assist (source-3).

Conversely, Chief Baker has denied that budget constraints were a factor in his decision, asserting that he prioritized the safety of Austin's residents and that any deployment decisions would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis (source-4). He has also received support from city officials, including Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who characterized the AFD's response as "above and beyond" (source-2).

The reliability of the sources varies; while news outlets like KXAN and the Austin American-Statesman provide detailed accounts and quotes from involved parties, the narrative from the firefighters' union may carry inherent bias due to their vested interest in the outcome of the situation.

Conclusion

The claim that Chief Joel G. Baker refused to send rescue teams due to an $800,000 payback dispute is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence that the AFD faced budgetary constraints and that the firefighters' union has accused Baker of negligence, Baker himself has denied that these financial issues influenced his decision-making. The situation reflects a complex interplay of operational priorities, resource management, and the political dynamics within the fire department and city government.

Sources

1. Austin, Texas fire chief accused of refusing to send rescue ...
2. Austin firefighters cast vote of no confidence against chief ...
3. Austin Firefighters Association expresses outrage, accuses ...
4. Austin Fire Chief defends response after accusations of ...
5. fire chief joel g. baker
6. Austin Fire Chief Under Mounting Pressure Over Delayed Flood ...
7. HustleBitch - X
8. Stephen Borstelmann MD on X: "Damning if true."