SAN ANTONIO -- People across the Alamo City are grieving the loss of San Antonio firefighter Greg Garza. Garza was a career firefighter, working with the San Antonio Fire Department for 17 years.
- Was working emergency electrical call
- Struck by a commercial van
- State flags flown at half-staff
Early Tuesday morning, Garza died while working an emergency call. The 49-year-old firefighter was working an emergency electrical call when he was hit by a van outside a Comfort Inn downtown.
On Wednesday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a citywide order, asking businesses and schools to put their state flags at half-staff out of respect for Garza.
"I feel kind of in shock because I mean he came here to do his job, then to turn around and get hit by someone, a van, then realize he just died like that," said Joann Martinez, who works just footsteps away from where Garza was hit.
From businesses putting out signs of support, to flags lowered across college campuses, the San Antonio community is openly, and publicly, mourning.
"At first it was a shock because it was a fireman, and you don’t think that by him getting off the truck, he was going to get hit," said Martinez.
The San Antonio Spurs will also be holding a moment of silence before their upcoming home game on Friday. The public is welcomed to a visitation and prayer vigil on Wednesday, October 23 at the Porter Loring Mortuary from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be a SAFD Honor Walk Tuesday morning.
More information will be announced by SAFD on this web page dedicated to donations and funeral service announcements for Garza.
In addition to Garza serving 17 years for SAFD, he was also alumnus of the University of Incarnate Ward and a former enlisted U.S. Marine. The university issued this statement on Thursday:
"The University of the Incarnate Word is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of San Antonio Fire Department firefighter and UIW alumnus, Gregory Garza, Class of ‘96. Greg, a former enlisted U.S. Marine, bravely served the city of San Antonio for 17 years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1996 and while a student, he dedicated his time serving the UIW community, always assisting anyone in need. We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Greg’s family, friends and the San Antonio Fire Department as they grieve during this difficult time. We pray that God grant them peace and comfort. We are grateful for the opportunity to know Greg and to call him a member of the UIW family."
Below is reaction from community leaders on Twitter: