In the early hours of January 26, a sudden wave of 21 emergency calls flooded the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center (AECC) within minutes. Something had gone terribly wrong. Amarillo needed help, and its first responders answered the call.
At approximately 2 a.m., a fatal shooting erupted outside a nightclub on Polk Street in downtown Amarillo, leaving one person dead and eight others injured. The chaos triggered an immediate and coordinated response from multiple emergency agencies, showcasing the city’s preparedness and unity in the face of crisis.
“There are many entities and individuals that respond in times of emergency in Amarillo—from police, law enforcement, and fire personnel to the doctors and staff at our local hospitals,” said Max Dunlap, Director of Emergency Management for the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management. “The cohesion, communication, and cooperation between all of these agencies, groups, and people help keep Amarillo a safe community.”
A Multi-Agency Response
The Amarillo Police Department (APD) played a critical role in responding to the shooting. A total of 24 APD patrol officers were dispatched to the scene, the suspect arrest location, and local hospitals. The department’s investigative teams, including seven detective sergeants, seven crime scene investigators, two forensic technicians, and three investigators from the 47th District Attorney’s Office, worked swiftly to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
The Amarillo Fire Department (AFD) deployed 12 personnel to assist with patient triage, assessment, and transportation. Several AFD members rode with the victims in ambulances, ensuring that advanced life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) care were provided en route to hospitals.
Amarillo Medical Services (AMS) had its first ambulance crew on the scene within 10 minutes. In total, five AMS ambulances and a supervisor unit were assigned to the incident. Four ambulances treated and transported victims, and within 40 minutes of the first 911 call, all injured individuals had been transported to local hospitals for emergency care.
The Randall County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) also played a pivotal role. Deputies received reports that the suspects were fleeing south into Randall County. Acting quickly, they located the vehicle and executed a high-risk felony stop at Hillside Road and Bell Street. Three individuals were detained—two suspects were transferred to APD custody and booked into the Potter County Jail, while the third was arrested for public intoxication and booked into Randall County Jail.
Critical Care at Amarillo’s Hospitals
Emergency rooms at both Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) and BSA Health System braced for an influx of patients. NWTHS treated six gunshot victims, with a team of nurses, physicians, surgical staff, respiratory therapists, lab technologists, imaging specialists, and business office personnel working tirelessly to stabilize and treat the injured.
BSA Health System also provided medical care to shooting victims. “Working alongside the Amarillo Police Department, law enforcement agencies, and emergency first responders across our city, BSA stood in support of our community, providing critical care to those in need,” said Katrina Tokar, Chief Nursing Officer of BSA Health System. “The strength of our community lies in coming together, and we are grateful for everyone who stepped up during this time.”
A Testament to Preparedness and Teamwork
The events of January 26 underscore the vital role that emergency personnel play in ensuring public safety. From the swift response of 911 dispatchers to the collaboration of law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, and hospital staff, Amarillo’s first responders demonstrated their commitment to protecting and serving the community.
