Whipped Cream Difficulties

We’re still dealing with the fallout from the July Hill Country floods. I’ve heard that there’s still one family missing a child from Camp Mystic. (The most recent story I could find said there were two people missing, but that’s from mid-September.)

On Wednesday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) honored a bunch of game wardens for bravery. Many (but not all) were honored for actions during the flooding.

TPWD press release here.

The Medal of Valor is the highest honor bestowed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement Division. This prestigious award recognizes employees who distinguish themselves through acts of extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of life-threatening danger. Recipients have demonstrated voluntary acts of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so exceptionally that they clearly set themselves apart.

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Serving as the Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N270PW, Sergeant Brent Biggs, Texas Game Warden Aviation, operated under treacherous conditions that placed his own life at immediate risk. Alongside Pilot Lt. Robert Mitchell and Helicopter Rescue Technician Game Warden Jacob Crumpton, he played a direct role in rescuing multiple individuals from the raging floodwaters of the Guadalupe River. A Kerrville native and former Kerr County Game Warden, Biggs utilized his knowledge of the area to help guide critical operations that saved lives during the event and contributed to evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days, including the evacuation efforts of flood-isolated Camp Mystic.

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In extremely treacherous conditions, and at immediate risk to his own life and safety, serving as the Helicopter Rescue Technician aboard TPWD helicopter N270PW, Jacob Crumpton, Concho County Game Warden and SAR Team member, was lowered into fast-moving, debris-filled waters to extract stranded victims. His courage and commitment to the safety of others was instrumental in saving multiple lives. Additionally, he continued to serve after the initial swiftwater threat had passed, helping to evacuate stranded victims and contributed to recovery efforts.

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Exhibiting extraordinary courage as pilot of TPWD helicopter N270PW, Lieutenant Robert Mitchell flew through extremely treacherous conditions and surroundings, demonstrating exceptional skill and composure while conducting aerial search and rescue operations along the Guadalupe River. He and his flight crew are directly responsible for rescuing multiple individuals from raging floodwaters during the early hours of the event. The continued efforts of Mitchell and his crew also contributed to the evacuation efforts of Camp Mystic. Mitchell’s actions reflect the highest standards of professionalism and selfless service.

That’s not all of them: I just picked a few off the list.

The Director’s Medal of Merit is presented to employees who have rendered exceptional service beyond the normal course of duty. This distinguished award recognizes acts or accomplishments that clearly exceed what is typically required or expected, or that make a significant contribution to the goals of the Department and the law enforcement profession.

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Despite severe weather and hazardous flight conditions, Assistant Commander Brandon Rose, Texas Game Warden Aviation, exhibited exemplary service and skill as pilot of TPWD helicopter N350PW, leading his air crew in multiple missions that included inserting personnel and supplies into Camp Mystic, conducting aerial evacuations, and providing ongoing support for ground-based operations. His composure and expertise resulted in the safe transport of evacuees and critical resources throughout the response.

Operating in severe weather and dangerous conditions, Lieutenant Tyler Stoikes, Texas Game Warden Aviation, served as Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW. He and his crew conducted numerous missions that delivered supplies, evacuated victims and supported ongoing rescue and recovery efforts at Camp Mystic and surrounding areas. His technical skill and steady presence under pressure contributed greatly to the success and safety of all operations.

Despite the extreme weather and hazardous conditions, Sergeant Doug White, Texas Game Warden Aviation, served as Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW, working with his crew to execute multiple aerial missions that supported evacuations, delivered supplies and inserted personnel into flood-isolated Camp Mystic. His skill and dedication during the demanding operation were essential to its success.

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The Director’s Citation honors employees whose dedication, judgment and perseverance have resulted in distinguished service beyond the normal course of duty.

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Leveraging his mastery of TAK technology, Ryan Cobb, Kenedy County Game Warden and UAS Team member, rapidly deployed a live digital operating map to track active search areas, cleared zones and responding units, greatly improving situational awareness for field and command personnel. His integration of real-time tracking and coordination enhanced the safety and efficiency of search and rescue operations and post-event analysis.

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Operating from the Kerr County Emergency Operations Center, Emily Slubar, Guadalupe County Game Warden and SAR Team member, established an Incident Command Post and directed resources to critical rescue areas, integrating efforts with Texas Task Force 1, the Department of Public Safety and other partner agencies. Drawing from experience gained during previous large-scale disasters, Slubar’s steady guidance ensured an efficient, unified response that directly improved the safety of both those affected by the floods and emergency responders.

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The Director’s Lifesaving Citation is awarded to employees who, through decisive action, courage and sound judgment, directly contributed to saving a human life and extends beyond the normal course of duty.

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In the early hours of Feb. 17, Houston County Game Wardens Curtis Brock and Conner Sumbera responded to a distress call from three stranded hunters in Big Slough Wilderness Area within Davy Crockett National Forest. Battling freezing temperatures and floodwaters, the wardens located and stabilized one hypothermic hunter at his truck before hiking over a mile to reach the other two. One was safe and the other was trapped across a flooded creek. Sumbera swam through the cold water to reach the man, secured him, and, with Brock’s assistance and Houston County SAR, safely brought him to shore. All hunters were treated by EMS and suffered no severe injuries.

I hope I’m not invading anyone’s privacy here, so I’ll just say Conner Sumbera is a relative of a close friend of the blog, which is why I singled him out. But you should go read the whole press release for yourself: all of these people deserve mad props, and should never have to pay for a drink when they’re out in public ever again.