Living through history

During one of the many press conferences last week.
Photo by Kerr County Lead.
Click on any image to enlarge.

We are all living through history right now. From the early morning of July 4th, when disaster struck and took away so many from us, until this very hour, it has felt like a slow-moving freight train of tragedy.

My notes for press conferences

Here’s the lesson I’ve learned over the past two weeks: when Kerrville and Kerr County called for help, the world answered.

And even before help arrived, city crews were already at work saving people.  Police, Fire, and Parks Department personnel, as well as folks from other departments, got people out of harm’s way. They were heroes from the very first hours of this disaster.

On the evening of July 4th, I wanted the people of Kerrville to know this:

Yesterday, we were anticipating coming together as a community to celebrate the Fourth of July. Overnight those hopes were taken from us.

Friday became a day of tragedies. Together, we mourn each victim and the loss their families now endure.

It’s important to remember Friday became a day of miracles, too.  Rescues continue even as darkness falls today. The heroic efforts of men and women first responders have helped hundreds and will not stop as night approaches.

I want the people of Kerrville to know a team of dedicated professionals is working to rescue those in peril and find those who are missing.

Please pray for our community.

What was planned

The State of Texas sent hundreds of experts; the Coast Guard was here on July 4th, using helicopters to rescue people. As of July 15, there are several thousand trained professionals here and working, from the city, from the county, from the state, and from the nation.

Governor Greg Abbott has been here at least 5 times. The Lt. Governor has been here many times. Both US Senators have been here numerous times. Our representative in Congress has been here numerous times.  Our legislators have been here numerous times.

And on Friday, July 11, 2025, the President of the United States and the First Lady came to Kerrville and offered their support and their prayers.

In the long history of our community, I do not know of another official visit by a sitting president of the United States.  His visit shows his administration is focused on helping us through this tragedy, and I’m grateful.

Memorial on Water Street

Recovering from this tragedy will be a marathon, not a sprint. Over the next several months it will feel like no progress is being made – but steps will have been taken every single day.

I ask you to pray for Kerr County – for those who mourn, for those who wait, and for those who help.

Until next week, all the best.

Joe Herring Jr. is a Kerrville native who has a municipal side-gig. This column originally appeared in the Kerr County Lead July 17, 2025

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