By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department announced on Nov. 9 that criminal charges have been filed in connection with the line-of-duty death of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia, who was killed in a wall collapse while fighting a warehouse fire.
Yesenia Mendez, 38, is facing a first-degree arson charge. Investigators say Mendez started a fire that led to Garcia’s death, KHOU reported.
Firefighter Marcelo Garcia succumbed to injuries from a wall collapse during a warehouse fire
“This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this city,” Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said.
Mendez is not currently in custody.
Funeral arrangements for Garcia are pending.
Trending
A disabled veteran claims Boston’s new fire cadet program unlawfully sidesteps veterans on the civil service list, lowers academy standards
The Greater Flagstaff Region will overhaul its firefighter academy by folding Firefighter I and II certification into training, expanding the program and reducing entry barriers
Firefighters pulled a man to safety after he became stuck in a tunnel while trying to help someone else out
Baker City Fire Chief Michael Carlson is kicking off a new cadet program for students ages 14–19, offering hands-on fire and EMS training