The Houston Fire Department is grieving the tragic Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Marcelo Garcia III, who lost his life while bravely battling a warehouse fire in Greater East End on the night of November 6. Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz expressed his deep gratitude for the support shown by the community, asking for “continued thoughts and prayers for his family, our brothers and sisters at Station 23, and the department as a whole.”

 Firefighter Garcia at Station 23 with one of Councilmember Martinez's children.
 

 

Firefighter Garcia, who joined the Houston Fire Department in 2015, served honorably at Station 23 for the past six years, along with previous assignments at Stations 9, 26, and 29. Known for his dedication and selflessness, he was a friend to Councilmember Joaquin Martinez, with whom he attended Milby High School. Councilmember Martinez reflected on Garcia’s legacy, describing him as “selfless, kind, and compassionate,” and a “hero who will not be forgotten.”

  

To honor Firefighter Garcia, HFD members will wear Class B uniforms with shrouded badges until he is laid to rest, and flags at all City facilities will fly at half-staff as requested by Houston Mayor John Whitmire. The mayor also announced that City Hall will be illuminated in red in tribute to Garcia's sacrifice, calling on all Houstonians to recognize the dangerous conditions firefighters face daily.

Funeral arrangements are pending, with support provided by HFD’s Family Assistance Coordinator, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, and Station 23.

For more info, visit https://www.houstontx.gov/fire/