Honoring Fallen Hero Sergeant Barbara Major Fenley

Since last month, wildfires have been spreading out of control across Texas. On the evening of March 17th, a fire quickly began spreading throughout Eastland County. Crews were dispatched from departments across the region to start evacuations and attempt to gain control of the massive fire. As the fire moved toward the community of Carbon, Eastland County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Barbara Majors Fenley was going door-to-door to notify citizens to leave the area when the area became inundated with smoke and low visibility. Her patrol car drove off the roadway and became engulfed in flames. The Eastland County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement: “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 5, 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.”

Sgt. Fenley’s law enforcement career began in 2003, when she joined her hometown police department in Gorman as a patrol officer. She became chief of the Gorman Police Department (GPD) in January of 2007 and remained at the helm of the department until she joined the ECSO in 2013. Friends and family shared that Barbara loved her job. She had a passion for helping others and serving her community. They said she was the type of person who would always be there for others, no matter what. She loved her family and adored being a mother and grandmother.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott presented Sgt. Fenley’s sister-in-law, Anna Olvera, with a folded American flag that had been flying outside the state capitol and mentioned her in a statement on the Eastland Complex fire. “I would like to ask Texans to join me in praying for those who have been affected by these wildfires, including Eastland County Deputy Barbara Fenley who was tragically killed while trying to save lives. We will never forget her sacrifice, and the state will continue to work closely with first responders and local leaders to mitigate these fires and support our communities as they recover,” he said.

The wildfires that caused so much destruction and claimed the life of Sgt. Fenley have burned approximately 55,000 acres. They have devastated the communities of Carbon and Gorman, and damages are still being reported. The current cause of the fires is under investigation.

We ask that you please send your prayers and support to not only the family of Sgt. Fenley, but to all of those impacted by this devastation. If you would like to donate any assistance for the family of Sgt. Fenley and the impacted communities, you can contact the Eastland County Sheriff's Office.

You can also contact the Community Foundation of Abilene. The Community Foundation of Abilene has partnered with the Eastland Community Foundation to establish the Eastland County Relief Fund. This fund will provide grants to fire departments and nonprofits serving people and businesses affected by ongoing fires in Eastland County. You can visit https://www.cfabilene.org/community-impact/fire-relief-funds to learn more. There is also a benefit planned for April 10, 2022, at Woody’s Museum in Cross Plains, Texas. The proceeds will benefit all fire victims of the Eastland and Brown County fires. It will open at 11:30 with food and lots of musical entertainment.

Sadly, it seems daily we are hearing of another one of the brave men and women in Blue losing their lives in the line of duty. Whether it be through an accident such as this, or an act of violence by a cowardly criminal, it is a fact that there is an ongoing assault on our law enforcement officers. We please ask that you show your love and support for these heroes in any way possible. These are extremely difficult and dangerous times and law enforcement sacrifice so much of themselves for each of us. Personally thank them when you see them in public. Show your support with Back the Blue apparel and bumper stickers.