A San Antonio firefighter was killed Tuesday when he fell from an apparatus and was hit by an oncoming vehicle during a call.
Firefighter Greg Garza, a 17-year veteran with the department, was part of the response concerning a possible electrical fire and smoke in a hotel lobby at about 7 a.m., Fire Chief Charles Hood said at a press conference. That's when Garza was struck at the scene.
"This is under investigation, but it appears he somehow stumbled off the truck, stumbled or trip," Hood said. "If you've ever seen our fire apparatus, they're very big, tall steps. Wearing bunker gear, he stumbled, and unfortunately, he was hit by a truck."
Paramedics worked to try to resuscitate Garza, and he was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He later died from his injuries, surrounded by his wife, parents and siblings, said Hood, who described the incident as "one of those calls that shakes you to the core." A department spokesman told the San Antonio Express-News that Garza's crew accompanied him to the hospital.
"Every time you saw Greg, he had a big smile on his face,” Hood said. "I have 1,800 firefighters, and I love every one of them. But I knew Greg, and I loved Greg Garza."
Mayor Ron Nirenberg has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Garza.
