Houston Mourns the Loss of Heroic Firefighter Marcelo “Ox” Garcia III Amidst Arson Charge for Yesenia Espinoza Mendez

As Houston prepares to honor one of its firefighters, tributes have poured in from the community. Marcelo “Ox” Garcia III, a 10-year veteran of the Houston Fire Department (HFD), tragically lost his life last week when a wall collapsed during a warehouse fire. His death marks a significant loss for the firefighter community, which has not experienced an incident of this nature since the Southwest Inn fire in 2013.

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reported on the procession that took Garcia’s body from the medical examiner’s office to the Forest Park Lawndale funeral home yesterday morning, with firefighters and first responders in attendance to pay their respects.

Garcia’s ten years of service, including the last six at Station 23, were honored by his colleagues with salutes and silent tributes as his casket was transported. 38-year-old Yesenia Espinoza Mendez has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the fire that led to Garcia’s death.

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included a statement from Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz, who said, “This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this City.”

Citizens and colleagues are invited to pay their respects at a public viewing tomorrow at the Forest Park Lawndale funeral home, where Garcia’s service to the community and his bravery will be honored from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A private viewing will also take place for Garcia’s close friends and family, offering them a space to reflect on his legacy and the profound loss.

On Wednesday, the public funeral service will take place at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 9 a.m., as reported by

CW39

. In a gesture of respect, Mayor John Whitmire has encouraged Houstonians to turn on their headlights while driving on the day of the funeral to honor Garcia’s memory. The city also paid tribute by lighting Houston City Hall in red, recognizing the firefighter’s service to the community.

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