HOUSTON - With a massive U.S. flag billowing in the wind on St. Joseph Parkway, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston overflowed with firefighters and first responders from around the country all gathered Nov. 13 for the funeral Mass of Marcelo Garcia, the first member of the Houston Fire Department to die in the line of duty since 2013.
According to the City of Houston, Garcia died while fighting a warehouse fire in Greater East End on Nov. 6.
Father Steven Tran, parochial vicar of the Co-Cathedral, presided over the Mass, assisted by Deacon Joe Millhouse. A solemn moment during the Liturgy included a ringing of a bell, honoring Garcia, followed by a farewell message broadcast from a radio to the entire Co-Cathedral.
"Firefighter Garcia... you will be truly missed," the message said. "Farewell, Marcelo." Houston Fire Department's Pipes and Drums then played "Amazing Grace," resounding throughout the Co-Cathedral. After the Mass, Garcia's casket was placed on a fire engine, accompanied by fellow firefighters. A procession from the nearby Houston Fire Station 8 preceded the Mass, which included many fire engines and members from Houston's first responder community.
"Today we are paying tribute to a man who gave his life for the city," Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz told press after the Mass. "The love [seen today] is a reflection of [Marcelo Garcia.]"
St. Florian, patron of firefighters, pray for us.
