Mabank Fire Chief killed while directing traffic at rodeo, officials say

Authorities are investigating after the Mabank Fire Chief was struck and killed while directing traffic at a community rodeo Saturday night, officials said. 

According to the Texas Municipal Police Association, it happened in Mabank, about an hour southeast of Dallas. The association said the Mabank City Fire Chief, who also served as a police officer, was struck and killed while directing traffic at a community rodeo. The Mabank Fire Department confirmed Fire Chief Charlie Woodard's death.

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.m. According to the report, while directing traffic near the rodeo grounds, Woodard stepped into the westbound lane of US Business 175 and was hit by a Chevrolet pickup truck. He was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The police association called it a "heartbreaking loss."

"TMPA joins the Mabank community, his family, loved ones, fellow officers, firefighters, and all who served beside him in mourning this heartbreaking loss.
Please keep his family and the entire Mabank public safety family in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest easy, sir. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten."

The Mabank Police Department said Woodard's "service and dedication to the citizens of Mabank will not be forgotten," and said the family is requesting privacy at this time.    

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Mabank Fire Department, Mabank PD and the family," the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office said via social media.

Texas DPS said the driver of the Chevy truck was not injured. The investigation is ongoing.