All,
We regret to pass on that the Chief of the Slocum Volunteer Fire Department (north of Houston) died in the Line of Duty Saturday after he experienced a serious medical emergency while responding on a run earlier this week.
Fire Safety Chief Dan Hernandez, 71, experienced that medical emergency while responding to a fire on Tuesday and was taken to a hospital in nearby Palestine.
After being stabilized, Hernandez was taken by an ambulance to a hospital in Tyler for further treatment. Sadly Chief Hernandez died Saturday morning while surrounded by family, friends and fellow Firefighters. He leaves behind his wife, a son and two grandsons.
A visitation will be held for Hernandez Thursday, July 16, at Rhone Funeral Home in Palestine from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hernandez’s firefighter honor guard funeral service will be held in the Slocum High School Gymnasium in Elkhart at 1 p.m Friday July 17.
Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in peace.
FIREFIGHTING PLANE DOWN IN COLORADO
A pilot fighting the Gold Mountain Fire has crashed into a Gunnison County reservoir. As of late last night, limited information was available. The sheriff’s office said they believe one person was on board. Their status was unknown as of 8:45 p.m. Sunday.
The Gold Mountain Fire has burned more than 35,000 acres as of Sunday evening, according to the incident management team. Watch Duty is reporting that containment increased Sunday from 5% to 13%.
Take care. Be careful. Pass it on.
BillyG
The Secret List 7/13/2026-0800 Hours
