Valley Mills, TX, USA - May 5, 2024

As the city grappled with the aftermath of flooding not seen since 1994, a heated confrontation between a Valley Mills police officer and the volunteer fire department chief was captured on body camera footage.

On May 5, 2024, Valley Mills Police Officer Martin found himself at the center of the storm. Responding to a call from a Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department (VMVFD) member at 4:12 a.m., Martin was informed of the need for barricades, albeit with no further details provided. Checking his VMVFD notifications, Martin presumed the request was related to a house fire outside the city limits in Bosque County.

However, as flooding engulfed the roadways, Martin's attention shifted. Alerted by a concerned citizen about the flooded roadways at 6:28 a.m., Martin, along with Sgt. Williams, responded to assess the situation. Subsequently, at 7:04 a.m., Martin was tasked by dispatch to assist with flooding at the bridge on Highway 6 at County Road 3310. Yet, his efforts were thwarted as Highway 6 was impassable due to flooding.

Meanwhile, Valley Mills Police Chief Kelli Fikac, who was attending mandatory training 470 miles away, was briefed by Sgt. Williams about the unfolding crisis in the city.