Zackary Cooper
Introduction
Zackary Cooper is a full-time firefighter with Rhome Fire Rescue in Rhome, Texas, who was arrested at the city’s fire station on the morning of October 15, 2026, on charges of online solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. The City of Rhome terminated his employment effective the same day, and Cooper was released from the Wise County jail the following day after posting surety bonds totaling $20,000.
Background Information
Cooper worked as a full-time firefighter for the city of Rhome, a small Wise County community northwest of Fort Worth, and lived in nearby Boyd. His arrest was carried out inside the Rhome Fire Station at around 7 a.m. by investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the agency leading the active criminal case.
The Controversy or Incident That Led to Their Cancellation
Charged, not convicted. Cooper faces criminal charges that have not been tried. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Warrants for both charges — online solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography — were issued out of the 271st Judicial District Court, with bond set at $10,000 for each count. Jail records show Cooper was booked into the Wise County jail by DPS on the two charges.
Neither the city nor the fire department has described the alleged conduct underlying the charges, citing the active criminal investigation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Details such as whether the alleged victim is local, how investigators identified Cooper, and what devices were seized have not been made public.
Public Reaction and Consequences
The City of Rhome terminated Cooper’s employment with the city and Rhome Fire Rescue effective the day of his arrest, and officials confirmed he is no longer employed by or affiliated with the department — a same-day severance that left no administrative leave period in between.
Fire Chief and Fire Marshal W. Scott Estes said in the department’s statement: “Rhome Fire Rescue holds its personnel to high standards of professionalism, integrity, and public trust. We remain committed to serving and protecting our community and maintaining the confidence that our citizens place in our department.” The department also asked the public to “allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without speculation.”
Current Status
Cooper posted surety bonds totaling $20,000 and was released from the Wise County jail on Friday, October 16, 2026. The criminal case remains in the hands of DPS investigators.
Whether prosecutors in the 271st Judicial District seek an indictment on both counts, whether additional charges follow any forensic review of seized devices, and whether Cooper enters a plea remain open questions. No public statement from Cooper or his family had been reported.
Impact on Their Career/Life
Cooper’s firefighting career ended the morning he was arrested, with the city’s termination effective the same day and no path back to the department that employed him. The charges themselves — online solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography — will determine his criminal exposure, but the arrest alone, conducted at his own fire station and announced by his own chief, already forecloses any return to public-safety work in the community where he served.
Sources
- FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth: “Rhome firefighter arrested at station on child pornography and online solicitation charges” source
- NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth: “Rhome firefighter arrested on allegations of online solicitation of a minor, possession of child pornography” source
- Firehouse: “Rhome, TX, Firefighter Arrested in Station for Solicitation of Minor” source