A Henderson County community of roughly 2,000 residents on Cedar Creek Lake. When the local ESD moved to terminate the volunteer fire department's contract, the community packed the fire station and fought for their department. The ESD and VFD agreed to a 90-day renegotiation. My coverage is expanding to Tool's city council.
Tool Police Chief Robert Walker confirmed that Officer Juan Ochoa was terminated effective October 7 for repeated body camera failures. The department's own records show the problem was in writing by June 2025.
Tool Police Chief Robert Walker confirmed that Officer Juan Ochoa was terminated effective October 7 for repeated body camera failures. The department's own records show the problem was in writing by June 2025.
Thank you for the response. Here is what I am seeing in your accounts, where things stand with the city, and how you can help move this forward.
Official Tool PD records reveal a motorcycle strike with a patrol vehicle, body camera violations, and disciplinary records that raise questions about officer accountability.
The ESD board voted unanimously to terminate the old contract. But termination was not the ending anyone expected.
The ESD posted performance reports at the fire station for anyone to see. I reviewed them. The data tells a complicated story, but the facts make it easy to follow.
After days of interviews with people on every side of Tool's fire department fight, one thing is clear: this story is far more complex than it appears on the surface. Part 2 of a three-part investigation.
A three-part investigation into the battle between Henderson County ESD No. 4 and the Tool Volunteer Fire Department, where the future of emergency services for roughly 2,000 residents hangs in the balance.
3rd Thursday at 6:00 PM
Oran White Civic Center
701 N Tool Drive, Tool, TX 75143
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Vera Bennett | Mayor |
| Greg Figueroa | Mayor Pro Tem |
| Robert Stykes | Council Member |
| Tommy Salvato | Council Member |
| Daniel Sayre | Council Member |
| Mike Dumont | Council Member |
Council data is cross-referenced from the Texas Municipal League directory and city records. If you notice an error, please let me know.
If something in Tool does not add up, send it. Documents help, but a date, a place, or a name is enough to start. I read every tip myself.
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