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Carnegie Hero Jesse C. Garcia IV, 62, died Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his home in La Vernia, Texas.
Garcia was born to Jesse III and Lucia Flores Garcia on Nov.17, 1961, in Elmendorf, Texas.
Garcia was a graduate of St. Mary’s University and Wayland Baptist University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and the reserves. He became a sheriff deputy in Bexar County and served as a police officer in San Antonio for 32 years. He retired as a sergeant.
Garcia was awarded the Carnegie Medal after he saved a woman from burning in Adkins, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2012. The woman was trapped in the driver’s seat of her car after an accident and flames broke out at the front of the vehicle and entered the passenger compartment. The woman screamed for help. Garcia, 50, was an off-duty police officer on his way home when he came upon the scene. He approached the driver’s side of the burning vehicle, leaned inside, and attempted to release the woman’s seat belt but it was jammed. Holding the belt to flames issuing from the console area, Garcia pulled at the belt until it broke as it caught fire. The spreading flames ignited his uniform near the shoulder area. He freed the woman of the belt and Garcia lifted her from the car as flames eventually engulfed the vehicle. The woman required hospitalization for treatment of serious burns, and Garcia was treated at the emergency room for first- and second-degree burns to his right arm and face.
Along with the Carnegie Medal, Garcia was recognized with the American Police Hall of Fame Silver Star of Bravery, San Antonio police Meritorious Award medal and Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit 2012, and the Bexar County Medal of Valor.
Garcia was described as a sweet humble man with an insatiable desire to not only learn, but to master any subject that piqued his interest. His devotion to family and community was led with compassion, empathy, and respect.
Garcia is survived by his wife, Terry Garcia; sons, Preston, Quinton, and Trenton Garcia; mother, Lucille Flores Garcia; his sister, Cathy; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Oscar Garcia.