Bay City Fire Marshal’s Office

As one chapter closes another begins…..

After ten years of service with the City of Bay City—and the last five years serving as your Fire Marshal—the time has come for me to begin a new chapter.
My career here has given me the opportunity to serve in several roles, including Police Officer, Police Detective, and Fire Marshal. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Bay City and Matagorda County throughout these years.
I am excited to share that I have accepted a position as Police Chief in a small community in Northeast Ohio, a move that will allow me to be closer to family.
As I prepare for this transition, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of Matagorda County, Bay City Council, the Bay City Police Department, and the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department for your support, friendship, and partnership. Your trust and encouragement have meant more than words can express.
Before I go, I encourage everyone to continue making fire safety a priority. Ensure your home has working smoke detectors and test them regularly. Small actions can save lives.
Thank you for allowing me to serve in the community. I will always look back on my time in Bay City with appreciation and pride.

Yours in safety,
Dan Shook

ANIMALS RESCUED DURING HOUSE FIRE

June 8, 2026 — The Bay City Fire Department, Bay City Police Department, Bay City Animal Control, and the Bay City Fire Marshal responded to a house fire at 3005 Rugeley on Monday, June 08, 2026, at about 11:17 am. A resident called 9-1-1 after being awoken by her dog barking and smelling smoke in the residence. The fire department arrived and discovered a room in the rear of the residence on fire with the resident outside. Animal Control Officers, assisted by the Fire Marshal, were able to rescue three dogs from inside the front of the residence.

The fire continued to grow, and the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department called for assistance from Van Vleck, Markham, Midfield, and Palacios Volunteer Fire Departments. The fire was under control in about two hours, and the fire departments remained on scene for an additional couple of hours.

The damage estimate is about $75,000. Unfortunately, the homeowner lost a feline and a pet reptile during the fire, but no one was injured during the incident. The cause of the fire is UNDETERMINED and the investigation is ongoing.

Congratulations to all the WCJC Police Academy graduates. Welcome to BCPD officer Banda.

Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared?

Now us the time to review your emergency plan, stock essential supplies, check your insurance coverage, and stay informed about local weather conditions and evacuation routes.

Preparing today can make all the difference tomorrow. Stay ready, stay informed and stay safe.

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Congratulations to the officers for their outstanding work in the recent drug enforcement operation.
Your efforts make a difference everyday.
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Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Large-Scale Fentanyl Seizure in Bay City

On May 26, 2026, following a nearly year-long investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl pills within Bay City and Matagorda County, local and federal authorities executed a successful search warrant operation. The investigation culminated in the ex*****on of a search warrant at a residence located in the 2200 block of Belegarde Drive in Bay City. The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Bay City Police Department (Narcotics Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division, and Special Response Team), federal partners including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), as well as the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office.

During the search, officers recovered a package containing 1.075 kilograms (2.4 pounds) of fentanyl pills, estimated to be nearly 8,000 pills. The street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $350,000. Brandon Brinkley, a 39-year-old resident of Bay City, was taken into custody at the scene after being in his bedroom with the package and a loaded firearm beside him.

This seizure represents a significant impact on public safety, potentially preventing thousands of dangerous doses from reaching our streets and into the hands of our citizens, including our youth. This poison did not reach our community. Our Narcotics team and Patrol Division remain vigilant in their commitment to ridding the streets of Bay City and Matagorda County of these dangerous substances. The Bay City Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement efforts and collaboration with partner agencies to keep dangerous drugs off our streets and ensure the safety of our residents. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available currently.

Happy National EMS Week! We celebrate the paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers and support teams who care for others when it matters most! 🚑

Ms. Mitchell and Mrs. Resendez’s class prepared a large box of appreciation gifts for our employees. We enjoyed meeting Alfredo today when he stopped by the PD to deliver the goodies. Huge thanks to Linnie Roberts! It is so nice to be appreciated!

Pictured: Alfredo and Fire Marshal Dan Shook

UPCOMING FREE TCOLE COURSES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Bay City Police Department will be hosting the following courses this summer.

To register for classes, contact: Training Coordinator, Sgt. Gutierrez ([email protected])

(These trainings are for TCOLE Certified personnel)

A City Council Special Called Meeting will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026. In the City Hall Council Chambers, 1901 5th Street.

Join us for the meeting as we discuss several important initiatives for our community, including election updates and infrastructure projects.

See the agenda:
https://baycitytx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1061/files/agenda/1967

Honoring the courage, sacrifice and service of the men and women who protect our communities every day. We also remember the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty and the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

Thank you to all the officers for your commitment to keeping others safe. 💙🚔