Who was Barbara Fenley, deputy who died in Texas wildfires while rescuing people?

Wildfires in Texas have scorched over 45,000 acres of land, destroyed hundreds of homes, and left a sheriff’s deputy dead.

Eastland County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Barbara Fenley was trying to save citizens from the devastating fires when she was killed. 

“While evacuating people and going door-to-door, Fenley was last heard that she was going to check on an elderly individual. With the extreme deteriorating conditions and low visibility from smoke, Sgt. Fenley ran off the roadway and was engulfed in the fire,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

“Sgt. Fenley gave her life in the service of others and loved her community,” the statement continued.

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The 51-year-old began her law enforcement career as a patrol officer for the city of Gorman in 2003. Four years later, she became their Chief of Police, a position she served until 2013. Fenley then became a deputy for Eastland County Sheriff’s Office where she has worked since 2013. 

“Our sister Barbara Fenley will be deeply missed. She was a special servant and an attribute to our profession. We will kneel in prayer for her family, friends and colleagues as they mourn. RIP dear friend, you will be missed.” the Cisco Police Department said in a Facebook post. 

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She is survived by her husband and three children.

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Her son, Jon Fenley, took to social media to pay tribute to his mother.

“I wanna thank everyone for the thoughts and Prayers, and I wanna thank everyone for helping us find mom. Unfortunately with the saddest news my mom has passed away, I just ask that you give us privacy in this moment while we collect our thoughts, I love everyone and I know she loved everyone and she loved the community of Gorman and Eastland County,” he wrote.