safety
Mabank Fire Chief killed while directing traffic at rodeo, officials say
By S.E. Jenkins at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
Authorities are investigating after the Mabank Fire Chief was struck and killed while directing traffic at a community rodeo Saturday night, officials said.
City of Mabank
According to the Texas Municipal Police Association, it happened in ...
Key takeaway The Texas Department of Public Safety said it was called to a vehicle vs pedestrian crash on US Business 175 and County Road 4006 around 10:30 p.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The tragic loss of Mabank Fire Chief Charlie Woodard while directing traffic at a community rodeo raises concerns about public safety at local events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As a community in Tarrant County's neighboring Kaufman County, the incident may prompt Southlake officials to review their own traffic management protocols for similar events. The fact that Chief Woodard was also a police officer highlights the blurred lines between law enforcement and fire department responsibilities, particularly in smaller towns where personnel may wear multiple hats. The outpouring of support from neighboring law enforcement agencies, including the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, underscores the close-knit nature of public safety communities in the region. As the investigation into the incident continues, Southlake residents may be watching to see if any changes are made to traffic control procedures at local events to prevent such tragedies in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Authorities are investigating after the Mabank Fire Chief was struck and killed while directing traffic at a community rodeo Saturday night, officials said.
City of Mabank
According to the Texas Municipal Police Association, it happened in ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by S.E. Jenkins at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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