On Thursday, March 17th, 2022 multiple fires erupted throughout Eastland County. One of the fires crossed into Carbon, Texas where multiple law enforcement agencies assisted with traffic control and evacuations while fire departments diligently fought the massive fires that were moving rapidly across the area. While evacuating people and going door to door, Deputy Sgt. Barbara Fenley was last heard that she was going to check on an elderly individual. With the extreme deteriorating conditions and low visibility from smoke, Sgt. Fenley ran off the roadway and was engulfed in the fire. Sgt. Fenley gave her life in the service of others and loved her community.

Sgt. Fenley began her law enforcement career with the City of Gorman September 5th 2003 as a patrol officer. She was later appointed as Gorman Chief of Police in January 2007. She served as Chief until 2013 when she became a deputy for Eastland County Sheriff’s Office where she has worked since. Sgt Fenley was 51 years old and is survived by her husband and three children. She will be deeply missed.