heroes in aftermath of deadly flood
Kerr County deputies, Kerrville PD, firefighters and volunteers are working around the clock.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — As floodwaters receded across the Texas Hill Country, first responders in Kerr County remain at the center of an intensive search and rescue operation following the deadly July 4 disaster, officials said at a July 9 news conference.
Officials have confirmed 95 fatalities as of July 9, including 36 children. Fourteen adults and 13 children remain unidentified. Authorities say 161 individuals are still missing in the region.
Sheriff’s deputies, police officers, fire personnel and emergency medical teams have been working around the clock, battling rough terrain and treacherous conditions to recover the missing and assist survivors.
“We have over 2,100 people out here at some capacity on this incident,” Sheriff Larry L. Leitha stated. “…It’s all hands on deck. [All the personnel we have available] are out here, but also we have an additional 2,000 plus people helping us.”
In Hunt, Texas, one Kerrville patrol sergeant found himself trapped by rising water. Instead of retreating, he began rescuing people.
“And he saw people, dozens of people trapped on roofs. He saw people trapped in swift moving water. He gave them encouragement over his public address system in his vehicle. He told them to be strong, that he would get to him as quickly as he could and to hang on. And he knew he needed help,” Kerrville Police Sgt. Jonathan Lamb said. The officer then recruited a detective and joined local volunteer firefighters and an ER doctor. For 13 hours, they rescued residents, treated injuries and coordinated helicopter evacuations.
Lamb also detailed efforts closer to town.
“Our officers spent hours going back and forth. In that first hour, they evacuated over a hundred homes and rescued over 200 people.”
He recounted how officers waded through waist- and chest-deep water to carry people from trailers and RVs to safety. In one case, three officers used a garden hose as a lifeline to rescue two people clinging to a tree in floodwaters.
“Folks, I don’t know how many lives our KPD team saved in an hour in Kerrville, but I know that this tragedy, as horrific as it is, could have been so much worse,” Lamb said.
Beyond the rescues, officers have joined foot searches, combing through dense brush and debris piles along the Guadalupe River. Lamb noted that even off-duty officers volunteered to assist.
“Yesterday was the first day we were able to give a couple of them some downtime,” Lamb said. “So we sent an officer home to rest. But rather than taking a day off, a much well-deserved day off, he got up and he put on his gear, and he volunteered to go out on foot with a ground search party. And he spent his day up and down the Guadalupe River going over, under, around trees, searching for victims to try and reunite the missing with their families.”
“This is a story of tragedy, but it’s also a story of heroes,” Mayor Joe Herring Jr. added.
Captain Jason Waldrip with the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office highlighted an operation involving heavy equipment to search debris-clogged riverbanks.
“We have coordinated a team with a local construction company, the Texas Department of Public Safety, some fire departments from within Kerr County, a fire department from Acuña, Mexico, and we are looking and searching the deeply impacted flood debris along the river,” Waldrip said. “These areas are where a lot of this debris is bottlenecked. So, it’s a lot of large trees. It’s a lot of the vehicles. It’s a lot of home structures have built up in these areas. So, we are using very heavy equipment, excavators [and] skid loaders to remove this material and do a deep impact search of where this is. So, what we ask is for those who are out there working, the local residents, the families of the missing, even some of the search teams, if you see these very large excavators working, please avoid these areas.”
Officials also asked residents and potential visitors to the area to avoid “sightseeing” near the destroyed areas, as onlookers might interfere with rescue and recovery efforts, the New York Post reported.
The warning comes after multiple unauthorized drones have been spotted in the skies surrounding recovery areas, including one that crashed into a rescue helicopter, rendering it useless for recovery work.
“Our first responders were hampered by heavy traffic yesterday, mostly sightseers who are making things worse. If you’re not from here, don’t come here to see flood damage,” the KPD wrote on Facebook.
Joanna Putman
Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com
the july cbpoa newsletter is out!
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The Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association is growing and so are you. We now have a monthly newsletter that is designed to meet your needs. Check out all that we have to offer, including upcoming meetings, jobs openings, training opportunities and so much more.
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upcoming 2025-2026 meetings
Aug. 21...Sinton
October...Goliad
October...Goliad
San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera and his staff will be hosting our third meeting of 2025.
San Patricio County Fairgrounds
219 W. 5th St.
Sinton, Texas
Registration: 6p-7p
Meeting/Dinner: 7P
Questions?
Contact Stacie Yanta at 361-362-3221
October...Goliad
October...Goliad
October...Goliad
Goliad County Sheriff Roy Boyd and his staff will host our fourth and final meeting of the CBPOA for 2025.
Date/Location/Time TBA.
January 2026
October...Goliad
January 2026
We are currently looking for a host agency for the January 2026 meeting. Contact CBPOA President Danny Lorberau ASAP.
GOLIAD SHERIFF RECEIVES national DEFENDER AWArd
by Coy Slavik, Goliad Advance Guard
Goliad County Sheriff Roy Boyd has been honored with the Defender Award from the American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU), recognizing his department’s efforts to uphold public safety through collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
The award, presented by the ACRU, is given to law enforcement leaders who uphold their constitutional duties by working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), specifically under the 287(g) program. That program, created by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows ICE to partner with local law enforcement to identify and detain individuals in violation of immigration laws.
“This law enforcement agency exemplifies what it means to be a true defender of the law,” said Col. Allen West, executive director of ACRU, in a statement. “This award acknowledges their leadership and dedication to preserving American citizens’ rights to safety and security through their partnership with the 287(g) program.”
Boyd, who has led Goliad County’s efforts since joining the 287(g) program during the Trump administration, emphasized the practical focus of his department.
“We are honored to receive the Defender Award from the American Constitutional Rights Union,” Boyd said. “As a law enforcement agency, we have three priorities: upholding the Constitution, enforcing the laws, and conducting our business in a manner that reduces the likelihood of victimization of our citizens.”
Boyd noted that Goliad County was the first law enforcement agency in the nation to be enrolled in all three versions of the 287(g) program during the previous administration. He credited his deputies for their continued dedication in addressing criminal threats linked to cross-border activity.
“The men and women of the GCSO have been at the forefront of combating transnational criminal activity for the past four years,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with our federal partners to assist them in any lawful manner that helps dismantle the cartel presence in our area.”
Despite the national recognition, Boyd said the department remains focused on outcomes rather than accolades.
“While we appreciate the award, we are interested in results, not attention,” he said.
meet our latest scholarship recipients
l to r: Kiera Baker, Chloe Franco, Adrian Rodriguez
This year's scholarship recipients pose with our CBPOA President and some of our board members. The scholarship recipients were awarded $1, 000.00 each to go towards their college education.
scholarship donation
Wyatt Ranches
Wyatt Ranches Los Robles Division Livestock Foreman, Walter Mencias, presents a $12,332.95 donation to Commander Danny Lorberau, who is also the President of the Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association, in support of of scholarships for the children of area police officers. The scholarship amount is $10,000 and the rest will go to purchase challenge coins for law enforcement.
some scenes from our may 2025 meeting in beeville. thanks to bee county sheriff randy aguirre and his staff for hosting us.
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What does it take to save a life of someone being trafficked? You'll never know until you are in that spot. One important thing you can do is add this number in to your "contacts" phone numbers:
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Texas is about to ban THC products. Here’s what to know.
By María Méndez May 23, 2025
Texas is poised to ban all THC products in the state, including vapes, gummies and drinks that provide consumers similar effects to marijuana.
The proposed law, Senate Bill 3, would ban consumable hemp products that contain any synthetic cannabinoid, often known as delta-8. Non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive CBD or CBG would remain legal.
People found in possession of a product with those intoxicating cannabis compounds could face a fine of up to $500 come September. Higher fines and jail time would be possible for repeat offenders.
Only Texans approved to use medical marijuana for certain conditions would be able to use low-level THC prescriptions. A separate proposal could expand access to the limited medical program.
The proposed ban is in the final stages of the legislative process, with lawmakers taking largely procedural votes. Gov. Greg Abbott, who could veto the legislation, has not made public comments. The ban has been one of fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s top legislative priorities. Here’s what you need to know.
What are consumable hemp products?
Under the proposed law, hemp products would include a “food, a drug, a device, or a cosmetic” that contains hemp or hemp-derived cannabinoids. This could include products such as gummies, edibles, vapes and ointments with hemp or any cannabis compounds. CBD and CBG, though still legal, are also considered consumable hemp products in the legislation and would eventually have to be registered with the state.
Hemp is a type of cannabis plant with a lower content of the “high-inducing” tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, content also found in marijuana at higher concentrations.
Since hemp was legalized federally in 2018 and Texas in 2019, it has increasingly been used in a variety of ways, including in food, textiles and to produce pain-treating CBD products as well as THC products. Marijuana — defined by federal law as cannabis that exceeds 0.3% THC concentration — has remained illegal to use or possess under Texas law.
Who would be affected?
Texans, including individuals with conditions not yet approved in the state’s medical use program, are set to lose legal access to THC products currently sold at smoke shops, convenience stores, and thousands of other retailers across the state.
Though hemp products containing only CBD and CBG would still be legal, advocates say the ban could make access to and production of these products difficult.
“It's very difficult to even be able to isolate CBD in a way that completely eradicates every other element of the plant,” said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center. “This is a very tall order for a company to reach compliance, and there are going to be very few manufacturers that are able to hit these targets. There's going to be far less CBD available to Texas consumers because of the unreasonably strict standards that have been placed in this bill.”
Farmers have said there is no way they can produce hemp without traces of THC, even for non-consumable products like clothing and paper. Critics of the ban say this could shutter the hemp industry, which, according to one estimate, accounts for roughly 50,000 jobs and generates $8 billion in tax revenue annually.
When would it go into effect?
If the legislation wins final approval from both chambers, the ban would go into effect in September, like most new laws.
Requirements for CBD and CBG retailers to register with the state would not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to implement rules. After this point, selling and possessing any consumable hemp product not registered with the state would also become criminal offenses.
However, retailers in Texas have indicated they are ready to challenge the ban in court, which could open the possibility for a judge to pause or complicate implementation of the law.
Are there guidelines or risks related to the possession of hemp once the change is in place?
The ban also adds many criminal offenses related to THC and hemp products.
Offenders found in possession of THC would face a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, with a chance to expunge their record by performing community service and completing a “substance misuse education program.” Those with two or more previous convictions for possession could face a fine between $250-2,000 and/or 180 days in jail, and they would not be eligible to receive deferred disposition or deferred adjudication.
Other offenses that would be Class A misdemeanors include:
- Selling a consumable hemp product to people under the age of 21.
- Marketing a consumable hemp product in a way attractive to minors.
- Misleading marketing of consumable hemp products.
- Mailing or delivering of a consumable hemp product.
Class B misdemeanors – punishable by up to 180 days in jail – include:
- Manufacturing or distributing consumable hemp products for smoking.
- Selling or delivering consumable hemp products in or within 1,000 feet of a school.
Selling and manufacturing THC products would be a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. This includes possessing THC products with the intention to deliver them. Manufacturing consumable hemp products without a license or selling them without registering as a retailer would also be third-degree felonies.
Applications for CBPOA scholarships being accepted
Apply Now
Applications for CBPOA scholarships are being accepted for children of current CBPOA members, and who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement. To obtain an application and to see the requirements, go to the bottom of this home page and download the "Scholarship Application" and "Scholarship Requirements."
blue thunder for first responders
Their Mission
Blue Thunder is made up of TRAINED first responders (FIRE, POLICE, MEDICAL PERSONNEL) who are dedicated in helping other first responders with stress/PTSD BY offering peer-to-peer support. For more information:
Daniel Perkins, CEO
Facebook: Blu Thuder1
Website: Blue Thunder911.com
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To continue offering these vital services and expand their reach, they need your help. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide these essential programs and ensures that our heroes have access to the support they deserve.
The latest episode of "10-8/10-41" is now available
Chief Kevin Behr
Our guest for this podcast episode of "10-8/10-41" is Kevin Behr, Chief of Police of the Beeville Police Department.
You can catch the episode streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts.
About Us
Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966
Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966
Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966
"The purpose of the CBPOA shall be to promote the cooperation and understanding of all persons involved in the enforcement of laws of the State of Texas and of the United States; the continued and convenient interchange of information and training between various Federal, State and local agencies, and to conduct ourselves in a manner that
"The purpose of the CBPOA shall be to promote the cooperation and understanding of all persons involved in the enforcement of laws of the State of Texas and of the United States; the continued and convenient interchange of information and training between various Federal, State and local agencies, and to conduct ourselves in a manner that will gain the respect of those we serve and to constantly strive to improve our position.'
Scholarships
Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966
Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966
The Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association is responsible for awarding thousands of dollars of scholarship money each year to qualified and responsible sons and daughters of CBPOA members who wish to carry on the tradition of law enforcement and law enforcement related fields.
Our Members
Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966
Our Members
Whether you help through providing meeting locations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of members like you.