Harker Heights Firefighter Fatally Injured in Early Morning Crash

The Harker Heights, Texas Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own after a fatal crash Tuesday morning.

Harker Heights Firefighter Cole Hagen Simmons Killed in Car Crash

HHFD Fire Chief Paul D. Sims reports that Cole Hagen Simmons was killed in an early morning crash while off duty. Simmons did not specify a time or where the crash occurred.

Simmons Proudly Served the Harker Heights Community

Simmons had been with the Harker Heights Fire Department since August of 2021. He served as both a firefighter and an EMT.

"Cole made an immediate impression on all members of the department and we are grateful to have served with him," Chief Sims wrote of his lost collogue Tuesday afternoon. "The Department requests thoughts and prayers for the family of Cole Hagen Simmons"

Chief Sims could not release further information, but said details about Simmons' funeral service would be released as soon as possible.

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff In Cole Simmons' Honor

UPDATE: Harker Heights Mayor Spencer H. Smith announced Tuesday afternoon that flags in the city will fly at half-staff until Simmons' interment.

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We've Lost a Local Hero

Our firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders put their lives on the line and run into unimaginable situations every day in order to keep our communities safe, and to protect and preserve lives. It's always tragic when we lose someone who answered such a noble calling, whether on or off-duty.

My deepest condolences go out to the Simmons' family and the Harker Heights Fire Department.

To all the first responders in Central Texas, than you for serving our community, especially during the holidays.

How You Can Help Firefighters and Families of the Fallen

Today (Nov. 30) is Giving Tuesday, and there are plenty of organizations that specialize in helping firefighters and their families in times of need, including the families of fallen firefighters.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is once such organization. You can find a list of other reputable organizations here.

Toys For Troops Returns to Make Christmas in Central Texas a Merry One

Operation Phantom Support and these fine sponsors are once again collecting toys to help Central Texas military and first responder families in need have a joyous holiday.

If you want to help make some Christmas magic happen, please donate a new, unwrapped toy or gift at one of these fine Central Texas drop-off locations.

10 Myths About Texas That Even Some Natives Believe

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the tall tales! Our state can seem pretty strange to people from far away, or even our immediate neighbors. There are several myths about Texas that range from quirky to fun and just plain ignorant and insulting, and even some people born and raised her believe 'em. Here are a few we can dispel today.

Test Your Texas: How Many of These Jeopardy! Questions Can You Answer?

Jeopardy! as we know it has been on the air since 1984, but the show got its start way back 1964.

Over the decades, the writers have managed to keep coming up with challenging questions to test the intellectual might of America's best and brightest (and sometimes softball questions for celebrities).

Texas is a place packed with personality, culture, and history, and there've been hundreds of questions/answers about the Lone Star State. Let's take a look at a few recent ones, and keep an eye out because we'll add more soon to test your Texas trivia skills and challenge newcomers.

How many of these can you get right without Googling?