The Clifford Harris Memorial Fund

09/11/2026

09/09/2026

On Sunday, September 13, our Lake Area Fire and Police Departments, along with EMS, will come together for a Procession of Lights in remembrance of the victims and first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

🚒 The procession will begin at 1:00 PM in Gun Barrel City and travel through Seven Points, Tool, Trinidad, Malakoff, Caney City and Payne Springs before returning to Gun Barrel City at approximately 2:30 PM.

We invite our community to come out, line the procession route, and show your support. Bring your American flags and help us honor those we promised to never forget. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

08/18/2026

🔥BURN BAN 🔥
in effect for
Smith Co.

08/11/2026

🔥BURN BAN 🔥
in effect for
Henderson Co. and Van Zandt Co.

08/06/2026

🔥BURN BAN 🔥
in effect for
Rusk Co. and Cherokee Co.

07/12/2026

Please keep the Hernandez family along with the Slocum fire department and the community in your thoughts and prayer.

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we mark the final call and End of Watch for our beloved Fire Safety Chief, Dan Hernandez. Dan passed away earlier today surrounded by family, friends and his fellow firefighters. Dan had been hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency earlier this week while on a call. Whether answering emergency calls, supporting his fellow firefighters, or lending a helping hand whenever it was needed, he carried himself with courage, compassion and dedication. His commitment to protecting our community reflected the very best of being a volunteer fire fighter. We honor Dan’s sacrifice and his impact on all of us who had the privilege to know him and serve alongside him. We ask that you keep his wife Valerie, his son Trey, his grandsons Brayden and Bradley, his extended family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. His passing will leave an immeasurable void within our department and throughout the community he so proudly served. Dan will be deeply missed, but his kindness and dedication to our community will never be forgotten.

07/09/2026

It has been some time since we last organized a vendor event, and I currently have several items available.

Please take a look at the pictures in the comments and let me know if you are interested in any of the items.

All proceeds will benefit the Clifford Harris Memorial Fund.

Donations are always welcome

05/23/2026

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection has officially adopted a statewide requirement for firefighters to complete the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Courage to Be Safe (CTBS) training every five years, an increase from the previous one time requirement.
This landmark move reinforces a culture where firefighter survivability, accountability, and safety remain a continuous priority throughout a firefighter’s career — not just during recruit school.
Approximately 40,000 regulated firefighters across Texas will be impacted by this new standard.
Read more: https://www.firehero.org/2026/05/20/texas-adopts-ctbs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WNt3jKuSG8

05/18/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Starkey family as well as the Tyler Fire Department as they mourn the loss of one of their own.

05/12/2026

Tonight, the Rusk High School Class of 2026 held their annual scholarship banquet. Chief Harris' family is pleased to announce that the 2026 Clifford Harris Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Mattie Oliver. Mattie will be attending Baylor University this fall to pursue a degree in Medical Humanities. 💚🐻💛

Congratulations, Mattie! We look forward to seeing your accomplishments as you work towards your goals. 🎓❤️🦅