Emergency management

Kerr County Emergency Director Slept During Deadly Flooding

Kerr County, Texas, lead emergency management official says he was asleep during deadly flooding, and it’s hard to know where to begin sorting through the fallout. The initial reaction is, well, surprise. Then, probably a healthy dose of anger. A lot of people are going to be asking some very pointed questions. The situation involves William “Dub” Thomas, the Kerr County Emergency Management Director since 2015, who has stated he was, in fact, asleep during the unfolding of a devastating flash flood.

Let’s be clear, everyone gets sick, right? It’s entirely understandable that he called out sick on July 3rd. We’ve all been there.… Continue reading

Matt Underwood Jul 31, 2025

News

St. Louis Tornado Sirens Fail, Commissioner Placed on Leave

Following a deadly tornado in St. Louis that killed five, the city’s emergency management chief, Sarah Russell, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an external investigation. The investigation centers on the failure of the city’s tornado sirens to activate during the Friday storm, despite a National Weather Service warning. An internal investigation revealed that while a malfunctioning button at the Fire Department contributed to the failure, unclear communication from Russell also played a role. Consequently, Mayor Spencer issued an executive order assigning sole siren activation responsibility to the Fire Department.

John Q. Hosedrinker May 22, 2025

Emergency management

Kerr County Emergency Director Slept During Deadly Flooding

St. Louis Tornado Sirens Fail, Commissioner Placed on Leave

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