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Drivers encouraged to turn on headlights Wednesday in tribute to fallen Houston firefighter

Houstonians are encouraged to turn on their vehicle headlights Wednesday as a tribute to fallen firefighter Marcelo “Ox” Garcia III, who lost his life battling a warehouse fire last week.

This gesture, requested by Houston Mayor John Whitmire, will honor Garcia’s service and sacrifice in the line of duty.

BACKGROUND: HFD announces funeral proceedings for fallen firefighter

Garcia, 42, died late Wednesday night after responding to a three-alarm fire on Supply Row near Polk in Houston’s East End. A wall collapsed during the firefight, injuring Garcia and another firefighter.

Garcia was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Houston Fire Department shared that Garcia served with dedication for 10 years, the last six of which were with Station 23. His body will be escorted by HFD first responders from the medical examiner’s office to Forest Park Lawndale funeral home on Sunday, Nov. 10.

The procession is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., with staging at 8 a.m. The route will start from 1860 Old Spanish Trail and conclude at 6900 Lawndale St.

The procession will take the following route:

  • Start east from 1860 Old Spanish Trail
  • Left onto SH-288 northbound
  • Exit to I-45 southbound
  • Exit Wayside and turn left
  • Turn right on Lawndale
  • End at 6900 Lawndale

READ MORE: A True Hero:’ Houston firefighter dies battling 3-alarm fire at an East End warehouse

A public viewing will be held at Forest Park Lawndale on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a private viewing for Garcia’s family and friends.

The public funeral service will take place Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 9 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

A suspect has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with the warehouse fire that led to Garcia’s tragic passing.


About the Authors
Michael Horton headshot

Michael is a Kingwood native who loves visiting local restaurants and overreacting to Houston sports. He joined the KPRC 2 family in the spring of 2024. He earned his B.A. from Texas A&M University in 2022 and his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023.

Holly Galvan Posey headshot

Holly joined the KPRC 2 digital team in March 2024, leveraging her eight years of expertise in blogging and digital content to share her passion for Houston. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the city's vibrant scenes, all while balancing her roles as a wife and mother to two toddlers.

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