Houston Fire Department Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Marcelo Garcia

The Houston Fire Department is saddened to report the Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Marcelo Garcia III, who died while fighting a warehouse fire in Greater East End late last night, November 6.

“We have been moved by the outpouring of support, and we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for his family, our brothers and sisters at Station 23, and the department as a whole,” said Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz.

Firefighter Garcia entered The Department in 2015 and for the past 6 years has been assigned to Station 23, off Lawndale St in Southeast Houston. He worked at Stations 9, 26 and 29 as well.

The warehouse, initially dispatched as 6601 Polk but later clarified to be 6536 Supply Row, is in Councilmember Joaquin Martinez’ district I. Firefighter Garcia and Councilmember Martinez were childhood friends who attended Milby High School.

“I’m heartbroken to learn of the line of duty death of my good friend and Houston Firefighter, Marcelo Garcia. He was selfless, kind, and compassionate. Marcelo was a hero and will not be forgotten. His family and the Houston Fire Department remain in my prayers as we all mourn this tragic loss,” Councilmember Martinez stated.

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

The Houston Fire Department’s Family Assistant Coordinator is coordinating with the Garcia family, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 341, the crew of Station 23, and the department as a whole to ensure the family is assisted through each step of honoring their loved-ones legacy and life. In addition to the City’s Employee Assistance Program, HFD’s Critical Incident Stress Management program is available to members who are affected by the loss of Firefighter Garcia.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Whitmire, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Chris Newport, Police Chief Diaz, and Marty Lancton, the President of Local 341. for their immediate and ongoing support during this difficult time,” said Chief Muñoz.

In honor of HFD’s fallen brother, all members will wear Class B uniforms with shrouded badges until Firefighter Garcia is laid to rest. Houston Mayor John Whitmire has requested flags at all City facilities to be flown at half-staff until further notice.

“Last night, we lost a true hero. We will honor firefighter Marcelo Garcia’s ultimate sacrifice and that of his family across this city,» said Mayor Whitmire. «On behalf of all Houstonians, I want us to come together and recognize the job and the life-threatening conditions that firefighters go through each and every day. City Hall will be illuminated in red tonight in Garcia’s honor, and we will not forget his service or sacrifice.”

Funeral services are pending.