HOUSTON — For the first time, we're hearing from Houston firefighters who worked alongside fallen firefighter Marcelo Garcia. Garcia died in the line of duty Wednesday night while battling a warehouse fire in the city's East End.
There's a growing memorial at Station 23. It's a firehouse Garcia spent six years working out of. It's also in the community where he grew up and ultimately died protecting.
Firefighter Abby Cortez described Garcia as tough but generous.
"He was always ready to work, willing to help, always had a smile on his face," she said. "And as you can see in pictures, he had the greatest smile."
The two met at the fire academy, where they struck up a friendship that lasted over a decade.
"Marcelo was one of those really sticky bonds between everybody," Cortez said.
Whether during a group dinner or obstacles they faced in the Academy...
"He was very positive about anything, you know," Cortez said. "We're drenched in sweat and we're like, 'Oh my God, it's going to be rough today. And it's like, 'OK, guys, now we're going to be good.' He always had a very good, positive attitude no matter what."
His loss, she says, has devastated everyone who knew and loved him.
"It's just hard, very hard to process," Cortez said. "You know, he wasn't blood family, but he was family."
Garcia died late Wednesday night after a wall collapsed on him while battling a warehouse fire.
"I was awake when the fire was going on," Cortez said. "I was keeping up with messages on my emails and whatnot and we heard, you know, the Mayday call."
A 10-year veteran of HFD, Garcia was just 42 years old. Whether it's his locker, his signature or his initials on the shift board, his presence is still felt inside Fire Station 23, something Cortez said they'll cherish as they honor their HFD brother's life and legacy.
"He was loved big time," she said. "I mean immensely, he was loved."
Funeral arrangements
A procession was held on Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. It began at the medical examiner's office and ended at the Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home.
A public viewing will be held Nov. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A separate, private viewing will be held for Garcia's family and friends.
The public funeral service for Garcia will be Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Mayor John Whitmire requests that Houstonians and neighbors, including those who commute to the city, turn on their vehicle headlights Wednesday to honor the fallen hero.