5 Shocking Revelations About William B. Thomas IV: The Texas Official At The Center Of A Deadly Flood Controversy

As of December 18, 2025, the name William B. Thomas IV—better known as W.B. "Dub" Thomas—remains a focal point of intense scrutiny and public debate across Texas, particularly in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster. His long and distinguished career in law enforcement and public safety has been overshadowed by a single, highly controversial incident that brought his role as the Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator into question. The revelations surrounding the county's disaster response have sparked legislative hearings and a statewide conversation about the preparedness of local emergency services. This in-depth profile cuts through the noise to provide a comprehensive look at the man behind the headlines. We explore William B. Thomas IV's extensive professional background, his rise to a key leadership position in Kerr County, and the full, unvarnished details of the emergency response failure that has forever linked his name to one of the region's worst flash flood disasters.

William B. Thomas IV: Complete Professional Profile and Biography

William B. "Dub" Thomas IV is a seasoned public safety official whose career spans decades in Texas law enforcement and emergency services. His profile is marked by a long tenure as a state trooper before transitioning into local emergency management leadership.

• Full Name: William B. Thomas IV
• Common Name/Nickname: W.B. "Dub" Thomas
• Current Role: Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) for Kerr County, Texas, and the City of Ingram. He also serves as a Deputy Sheriff for Kerr County.
• EMC Tenure: Serving as Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator since 2015.
• Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Criminal Justice and Police Science from Sam Houston State University, graduating in 1982.
• Previous Career: Retired as a Lieutenant from the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• DPS Service: Worked as a Texas State Trooper in the Highway Patrol Division from 1985 until his retirement in 2010.
• Key Responsibilities at DPS: While stationed in El Paso, Thomas served as the DPS District Disaster Chairman for the area.

Thomas's background is deeply rooted in the operational aspects of public safety, from routine highway patrol duties to high-level disaster planning. His move to Emergency Management Coordinator in Kerr County positioned him as the key figure responsible for coordinating the county's response to natural and man-made disasters.

The Shocking July 4th Flood Disaster Controversy

The defining and most controversial chapter of William B. Thomas IV’s career is his role during the devastating flash flood that struck Kerr County on July 4th, 2023. This natural disaster resulted in a high number of fatalities and widespread destruction, but the ensuing controversy centered on the county’s emergency response—or lack thereof—in the critical early hours.

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Testimony: "Sick and Asleep" During the Crisis

In a subsequent hearing held by state lawmakers, Thomas and Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who is the head of county emergency management, provided testimony that shocked the public. William "Dub" Thomas admitted under oath that he was sick and asleep at home as the deadly floodwaters rose.

This revelation was compounded by the fact that the county failed to issue timely warnings to residents. The lack of immediate action meant that critical hours passed before the public was alerted, a delay that critics argue contributed to the high death toll.

The Failure to Activate and Communicate

The core of the controversy lies in the failure to activate the county’s emergency response system and communicate the imminent danger. Thomas stated that based on the data he had earlier, there was "no indication that a flash flood was imminent." However, emergency managers in neighboring areas were reportedly more proactive, highlighting a stark contrast in preparedness and situational awareness.

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The public and state officials were critical of Thomas for not being available or responsive during the crisis. The incident brought into sharp focus the procedural gaps and accountability issues within the Kerr County Emergency Management Division, prompting calls for reform and a complete overhaul of local disaster preparedness protocols.

From Texas State Trooper to Emergency Management Coordinator

Before the controversy, William B. Thomas IV had established a formidable professional reputation, primarily through his 25-year tenure with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). His history as a Texas State Trooper provides the foundation for his expertise in public safety and large-scale coordination.

A Quarter-Century in the Highway Patrol

Thomas began his career with the DPS Highway Patrol Division in 1985. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant in 2010. As a Lieutenant, he was responsible for overseeing a significant area, managing teams of Sergeants and Troopers, and handling administrative staff. This experience honed his skills in command, logistics, and rapid decision-making under pressure.

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His work at the DPS also included specialized roles, such as serving on the Presidential Security detail at the Western White House, demonstrating a high level of trust and responsibility within the agency.

Transition to Local Leadership

Following his retirement from state service, Thomas transitioned to local government, taking on the role of Emergency Management Coordinator for Kerr County in 2015. In this capacity, he became the liaison between local authorities, state agencies, and federal resources like FEMA. His job was to plan for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies, from wildfires and severe weather to public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

His dual role as a Deputy Sheriff further solidified his position within the county's law enforcement structure, giving him the authority and resources needed to coordinate complex, multi-agency responses. This deep integration was intended to ensure seamless communication between the Sheriff's Office, city officials in Kerrville and Ingram, and other first responders.

The Future of Kerr County's Disaster Response

The fallout from the July 4th incident has created a significant push for legislative change and a demand for greater accountability in local emergency management across Texas. The testimony provided by William B. Thomas IV and Judge Kelly has become a case study in what critics call a catastrophic failure of leadership and preparedness.

The focus moving forward is on implementing stricter protocols for emergency notification, ensuring 24/7 operational readiness for key personnel, and utilizing the latest technology for real-time flood monitoring. The public discourse is no longer just about the flood itself, but about the systemic flaws exposed by the actions—or inactions—of the county's top emergency official. The legacy of William B. Thomas IV will now be inextricably linked to the reforms that follow this deadly event.