Menard Volunteer Fire Department

06/23/2026

06/16/2026

Please pray for our brothers with the Odessa Fire Rescue tonight. Rest easy, brother.

06/15/2026

Odessa Fire Rescue Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Isai Huerta

ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a structure fire on Sunday evening.

At 4:59 p.m., Odessa Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential trailer fire in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road. While firefighters were operating on scene, conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.

All three firefighters were transported to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who faithfully served the citizens of Odessa as a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. His next of kin has been notified.

"Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter," said Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. "He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job. Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward. We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick added, "Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Odessa, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask our community to join us in keeping them in our prayers as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."

The two other firefighters injured during the incident did not sustain life-threatening injuries and are receiving care and support.

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters is leading the investigation. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters are also expected to arrive in Odessa tonight to provide additional support.

Odessa Fire Rescue has already begun debriefing personnel and is ensuring first responders have access to all available emotional, mental health, and peer-support resources.

Odessa Fire Rescue will hold a press conference tomorrow to answer questions and provide an update on the investigation.

06/14/2026

FLOOD WATCH issued from 4:00pm this Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for a portion of the Concho Valley.

The counties included in the Flood Watch are CONCHO, CROCKETT, IRION, KIMBLE, MASON, MCCULLOCH, MENARD, SAN SABA, SCHLEICHER, SUTTON and TOM GREEN Counties. This includes the city of San Angelo.

As of 10:30am this Sunday morning, small showers had developed between Sweetwater and Hamlin in the Big Country to the northwest of Abilene. The forecast for the rest of the day is for slow expansion of showers and thunderstorms along a cold front. The front as of 10:30am was entering the northern Big Country in the area from Throckmorton to Stamford to Snyder.

By 3pm to 6pm, as the front slides south of Interstate 20, a line of storms, capable of producing heavy rain, is forecast to develop along or just south of Interstate 20, in Eastland, Comanche, Brown, Coleman, Callahan, Taylor, Runnels and Tom Green counties and move to the south.

The combination of slow-moving storms and heavy rainfall will result in flooding. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected to be common with pockets of higher amounts in excess of 5 inches. Additional showers and storms will be possible Monday, which will continue the flooding threat.

Stay alert for possible flood warnings this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow.

06/13/2026

06/11/2026

06/05/2026

On May 29th, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a request to conduct a welfare check at an individual’s home in Cana, Virginia. When two deputies arrived and made contact with male, he opened fire on both of them. 31-year old Deputy Sheriff Logan Utt was fatally wounded in the exchange. The second deputy was injured after being struck in his ballistic vest. The gunman fled the scene and after a 2-day manhunt, was apprehended in North Carolina. He has since been charged with murder.

Logan’s commitment to serving others began while he was a student at Carroll County High School when he joined the Cana Volunteer Fire Dept. He remained a proud and active member throughout his life. Following graduation, Logan answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S Air Force. After completing his military service, he continued his dedication to public safety as a firefighter with the Mount Airy Fire Dept. for several years.

Alongside these accomplishments, Logan never lost sight of his lifelong dream of becoming a law enforcement officer in the community he called home. That dream became a reality in December 2023, when he was sworn in as a Deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. From that day forward, he proudly served and protected the citizens of Carroll County with honor, courage, and integrity.

Logan was known for his contagious smile, larger-than-life personality, and caring spirit. He never met a stranger and was always willing to give his time to help others. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a laugh, or simply listening, Logan made everyone feel welcomed and valued. He was also a devoted Christian and a man of deep faith, who loved the Lord and sought to live his life in service to others.

Logan leaves behind a loving wife, two children and many family members who miss him dearly. He will be laid to rest later today.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026 1 PM: quick update on storm timing. Some hit and miss storms are developing around San Angelo, but the main line out to the west near Ozona and Sterling City at 1 PM will push east into San Angelo, Sweetwater, and Eldorado by around 2 PM. The line will then continue east towards Abilene, Eden, and Sonora between 3 and 4 PM. So far these storms are remaining below severe levels, but they may strengthen as they move across West Central Texas.

Even if they don't become severe, heavy rainfall, dangerous lightning, and gusty winds will be likely.

05/26/2026

Slight Risk across Southwest Texas tomorrow!

Fort Stockton special tomorrow? Large hail, damaging winds are the main hazards, however a couple of tornadoes can’t be ruled completely out across Southwest Texas Tuesday afternoon (May 26).

05/24/2026