COVID-19 Claims Veteran TX Fire Captain

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A veteran Laredo firefighter has died due to complications of COVID-19, marking the Laredo Fire Department's first loss since the pandemic began, according to first responders.

"It is with great sadness that the Laredo Fire Department confirms the passing of a fellow firefighter. Laredo Fire Capt. Erik Segura, 45, has unfortunately succumbed due to complications after contracting COVID-19," the department said in a statement.

Segura had been hospitalized and receiving treatment in San Antonio Methodist Hospital. During this public health emergency. He was assigned to the EMS Division- Fire Station No. 5. Fire officials said Segura was a key member of the COVID-19 response team. He was highly respected, dedicated, and served the community proudly.

The department said in a statement that they are "shocked and devastated" by this loss since it is LFD's first since the pandemic began.

"On behalf of the men and women of the Laredo Fire Department, I extend my deepest condolences to the Segura family. He will be greatly missed by his fellow brothers and sisters. I ask that we keep him in our thoughts and prayers, that we honor him for all the contributions he made attempting to stop the spread of this virus," Fire Chief Guillermo Heard said in a statement.

Former Fire Chief Steve E. Landin, who recently retired from the department, recalled Segura as a great public servant who looked out for the safety of others.

"Capt. Erik Segura was an excellent public servant. He dedicated a big portion of his life serving the citizens of Laredo. He served on the front lines during this pandemic. He always looked out for the safety and well-being of his fellow firefighters," said Landin, who is the emergency management coordinator for Webb County. "I offer my love, thoughts and prayers to his family and the entire fire department. I ask God to bless and protect them and all medical professionals serving the COVID patients around the world. May he rest in peace."

Laredo Firefighters Local 872 released a statement saying they mourn the loss of Segura, a man who gave his life in service to the community.

"We remember him as a father, a son, sibling, friend, and neighbor. He truly loved his work, and his kindness and generosity were widely known. Like so many firefighters, he never talked about his heroic actions. Today, we remember him and salute him as the hero that he was. We extend our deepest condolences to the Segura family as we hold them close to our hearts," the association said.

Laredo Police Chief Claudio Treviño Jr. expressed his condolences on behalf of the men and women of the Laredo Police Department.

"We send our sincerest condolences to the family of Laredo Fire Capt. Erik Segura who passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow first responders at The Laredo Fire Department and Fire Chief Guillermo Heard. We mourn Fire Capt. Segura's passing alongside you. May Laredo Fire Capt. Erik Segura rest in peace.

Webb County Martin Cuellar also expressed his condolences.

"Our most sincere condolences to the Laredo Metro Fire Department on the passing of Capt. Erik Segura. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and our first responders community. May he rest in peace," Cuellar stated.

U.S. Border Patrol added, "The Laredo Sector joins the City and residents of Laredo in mourning the passing of Laredo Fire Department Capt. Erik Segura. Capt. Segura served the City of Laredo for 25 years before losing his battle against COVID-19. Thank you for your service and dedication, Capt. Segura.

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Visit the Laredo Morning Times (Laredo, Texas) at www.lmtonline.com

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