BEAUMONT, Texas — A group of Beaumont firefighters are joining their fellow firefighters from around the state to cover the shifts of Houston firefighters so they can attend funeral services for their fallen comrade.
Thirteen firefighters from the Beaumont Fire Department are covering a shift in Houston today so that Houston firefighters can attend the funeral of Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia whop died in a warehouse fire last week.
Family, friends and the community gathered Tuesday night to honor Garcia's life at a public viewing and more will attend his funeral today.
From the number of people who attended the public visitation at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home -- it's clear how well-loved Garcia was.
More on Marcelo Garcia
“It’s just really devastating because like I said he was a great person, and this was the last thing that any of us expected," Marcelo's cousin, Jasmin Guzman, said.
His family is still processing this enormous loss.
Garcia, 42, died last week after a wall fell on him as he was fighting a fire at a vacant warehouse on Polk Street.
The woman arrested for allegedly starting that fire, Yesenia Espinoza Mendez, 38, is charged with arson- bodily injury or death.
“We’re just taking it day by day," Guzman said.
Amid the heartbreak, Guzman wants him to be remembered for his big heart.
“Marcelo was, he was a really good person, he was really kind, really giving, he was very involved with the community. Everybody knew him. Everybody speaks really good of him," she said.
It's no wonder his sense of service, led him to the Houston Fire Department.
Garcia was a ten-year veteran of HFD and proudly served the East Houston community, where he grew up. He spent several years working out of fire station 23.
"He's like a hero," said family friend, Luis Rodriguez.
Family friends said Garcia would give you the shirt off his back -- all with a big smile on his face.
"He puts people in the first place and he in the last place, so he always helps,” Rodriguez said.
The family is overwhelmed and grateful for the huge outpouring of support.
nat from inside showing the lines
"It means a lot to have a lot of people show up, just support, and show how many lives he affected and everybody that he helped," Guzman said.
Garcia’s public funeral will be Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, which is at 1111 St. Joseph Parkway.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has asked drivers in Houston and those commuting to Houston to turn their headlights on to honor Garcia. Flags will also be at half-staff.
Arrest in the case
Charging documents claim Espinoza lit materials in a warehouse that grew quickly. That fire ultimately led to Garcia's death and another firefighter being injured, the documents said
HFD said a wall collapsed while Garcia was battling the fire in Houston's East End. Charging documents revealed that firefighters had to pull Garcia out from the rubble and were unable to resuscitate him.
Houston METRO police were able to identify Espinoza as a suspect through facial recognition software after surveillance video showed her leaving the scene and getting on a METRO train.
On Saturday, in probable cause court, a judge granted Espinoza a $100,000 surety bond.
Espinoza is a mother of six. Her family told KHOU 11 News she's had a tough life, suffering from mental health issues such as depression.
More than 100 firefighters responded to the three-alarm fire.