Athens TX Public Safety

06/01/2026

West Scott Street Closed

West Scott Street will be closed Monday, June 1, between North Prairieville and North Pinkerton for underground gas utility work. Drivers are asked to plan an alternate route and use caution in the area.

06/01/2026

Road Closed Starting Monday

West College Street will be closed from South Prairieville Street and South Palestine Street from Monday, June 1, to Wednesday, June 3, for underground sewer work. The road is scheduled to open to traffic by Wednesday morning. Drivers are asked to plan an alternate route and use caution in the area.

05/29/2026

On Thursday, June 4, the City of Athens Police and Fire Departments in partnership with Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Athens ISD, UT EMS, TVCC Police Department and other area first responders will be conducting an emergency response exercise at Athens Middle School.

This is only a training event and there is no cause for alarm. We appreciate the community’s support as we continue strengthening our preparedness and response capabilities.

05/27/2026

Watch out for our friends on motorcycles. Take an extra second to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Motorcycles can be harder to see, especially in heavy traffic or at intersections.

A little extra attention can make a big difference. Let’s all do our part to look out for one another and help everyone get home safely.

Athens Mayor Aaron Smith proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month during the Athens City Council meeting Tuesday night, May 26.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of motorcycle safety across Texas and encourages both motorists and motorcyclists to share the road responsibly.

According to the proclamation, nearly 9,000 motorcycle crashes were reported statewide in 2025, contributing to close to 600 deaths and 2,500 serious injuries. The proclamation notes that many crashes involve drivers who fail to properly watch for motorcycles in traffic.

The City of Athens encourages all drivers to exercise caution and remain alert around motorcycles on city streets and highways.

05/22/2026

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and the City of Athens is pausing to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. As you make your plans for the long weekend, we invite you to join us in remembering the true meaning of the holiday.

In honor of Memorial Day, City offices will be closed on Monday. Please also note that the City's Collection Site at 500 Aaron Street will be closed on Saturday, May 23.

Thank you, and we wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

05/22/2026

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service instructor Mark Weaver taught a series of emergency management classes at the Athens Police Department this week. The classes focused on expanding and complex incidents that involve multiple agencies.

Class members come from the City of Athens, City of Mabank, City of Kilgore, Murchison ISD, TVCC, and the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.

05/22/2026

The Athens Police Department joined law enforcement agencies from across Henderson County on Thursday, May 21, for the annual Peace Officers Memorial ceremony on the courthouse square in Athens.

Hosted by the Henderson County Peace Officers Association, the ceremony honored officers who lost their lives in the line of duty while also recognizing the men and women who continue to serve their communities each day.

The ceremony included the presentation of colors, remarks from local law enforcement leaders, and the reading of the Roll of Honor recognizing fallen officers from Henderson County agencies, including the Athens Police Department.
Athens Police Chief Chad Allen joined Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse in laying the memorial wreath before the crowd observed a moment of silence during the playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute.

Guest speaker Kenneth Strawn spoke about the patience, decision-making, and bravery required of law enforcement officers, especially in dangerous situations.
“When you hear the gunshots, you see the blood, my instincts say run from that,” Strawn said. “And these men and women in law enforcement, they run toward the danger.”

The ceremony concluded with a reminder that the service and sacrifice of fallen officers, and the families who support those who wear the badge, will not be forgotten.

Honor Roll

• Deputy Charlie Fields Sr.
• Trooper KC Winn
• Trooper Larry Hobson
• Lt. Bennie Everett
• Deputy Tony P. Ogburn
• Deputy Paul S. Habelt
• Rufus H. Day
• Constable John E. Rhodes
• Constable James W. Hopson
• Deputy John C. Reeves
• Deputy Constable Elvis O. Brown
• Sherry K. Langford

05/21/2026

Road Closed

South Pinkerton Street will be closed Thursday, May 21, from W. Corsicana Street to W. College Street for road construction. Barricades and signs will be in place to direct traffic. Drivers are asked to plan an alternate route and use caution in the area.

05/18/2026

Athens Firefighter Tyler Reed deployed to Dumas Friday, May 15, along with an Engine Boss from Smith County ESD 2. The team is pre-positioning for potential wild fire outbreaks.

Reed is on assignment as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). TIFMAS is coordinated by the Texas A&M Forest Service and allows departments across Texas to support major incidents while maintaining local readiness.