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Fire marshal disputes accusations; court defends volunteers after Goodrich fire
Summary
Polk County’s fire marshal presented 2025 activity numbers and rebutted allegations that the marshal and commissioners made all decisions about fire protection; the judge pushed back on public accusations regarding the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department and expressed support for first responders and a family affected by a recent fatal fire.
The Polk County fire marshal presented annual activity statistics to the Commissioner’s Court on Jan. 27 and addressed recent public allegations about local fire response decisions. The marshal reported 449 calls for service in 2025, 72 life‑safety inspections, 27 plan reviews, 23 fireworks sites inspected, and 85 fire investigations. The office reported $5,460 in fireworks permit revenue and $10,284.78 from plans/reviews and inspections.
During his remarks the marshal said, “I'd like to address recent allegations that the fire marshal and the commissioners made all decisions regarding fire protection… I can assure you that we have more information about the current circumstances than the public does,” and urged members of the public to exercise due diligence when making accusations.
Following that statement the presiding judge (recorded in the transcript as the court’s speaker) responded directly to prior comments about the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department — which the court described as a non‑EMS department not authorized to respond to medical calls — and rejected assertions that first responders failed to do their jobs. The judge said the family that lost a child in the incident “got thrown into the mix” by public claims and called that disturbing. The court repeatedly expressed support and gratitude for volunteer firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and ambulance crews who responded.
No formal disciplinary or policy action was taken during the meeting; the marshal’s presentation and the judge’s response were part of regular agenda items and public comment follow‑up.
