The Austin Firefighters Association has delivered a 93% vote of no confidence against Austin Fire Department Chief Joel G. Baker following his handling of the department's response to deadly flooding in Kerr County during the Fourth of July holiday. The union accused Baker of delaying the deployment of swift water rescue teams and denying pre-deployment requests two days before the flood began, which they claim may have cost lives. Baker has denied these allegations. The dispute has drawn criticism from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who cautioned against politicizing the tragedy. Baker, noted as the first Black fire chief in Austin, has faced scrutiny for prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives amid the crisis. Separately, Atlanta mourned the death of its first African American fire chief, William Hamer, who passed away at the age of 85. Hamer made history in 1985 and is credited with paving the way for future leaders in the city’s fire department. Services for Hamer are scheduled for July 19 at Hoosier United Methodist Church.