Jesse C. Garcia IV saved Morgan C. Bryant from burning, Adkins, Texas, November 3, 2012. Bryant, 19, was trapped in the driver’s seat of her car after a nighttime accident in which the vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Flames broke out at the front of the vehicle and entered the front of its passenger compartment. Conscious, Bryant screamed for help. Garcia, 50, police officer, was on his way home from work in another municipality when he came upon the scene. He approached the driver’s side of the burning car, leaned inside, and attempted to release Bryant’s safety belt but found that it was jammed. Holding the belt to flames issuing from the console area, Garcia pulled and stretched it until it broke as it caught fire, and spreading flames ignited his uniform near the shoulder area. After freeing Bryant of the belt, Garcia lifted her from the car. Flames grew shortly to engulf and destroy the vehicle. Bryant required hospitalization for treatment of serious burns and other injuries, and Garcia was treated at the emergency room for first- and second-degree burns to his right arm and the right side of his face. He fully recovered.
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Obituary
Jesse C. Garcia IV passed to his heavenly home Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his home in La Vernia, Texas. He was born November 17, 1961, in Elmendorf, Texas to Jesse Garcia III and Lucia Flores Garcia.
Jesse was a small-town country gent. He was a sweet humble man with an insatiable desire to not only learn, but to master any subject that piqued his interest. His motto in life was “Be happy!” His devotion to family and community was led with compassion, empathy, and respect. He gave his life to serve others. His service and Heroism will forever live on.
Jesse was a true scholar and teacher. He was a graduate of East Central H.S., St. Mary’s University, S.A.C., Wayland Baptist University and had too many certificates, licenses, and degrees to list!
Jesse’s service included US Marine Corps, US Marine Corps Reserve, Bexar County Sheriff Deputy, 32 years San Antonio Police, Retired Sargent, 15 years San Antonio College Instructor.
Throughout his life and career Jesse performed many acts of heroism. Many went unnoticed and unrecognized as he thought it should be. And then there are those who were kind enough to make note of the importance of his heroic acts that led to some of the following medals.
Carnegie Hero Medal Recipient, American Police Hall of Fame Silver Star of Bravery, S.A.P.D Meritorious Award Medal, S.A.P.D. Medal of Valor, S.A.P.D. Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit 2012, Bexar County Medal of Valor.
Jesse was a loved husband, father, and son, he is survived by his wife, Terry Garcia; sons, Preston Garcia, Quinton and wife Bonnie Garcia; Trenton Garcia; mother, Lucille Flores Garcia; sister, Cathy and husband Thomas Sr. Niles and children Thomas Jr., Zachary and Kelsey Gillman; sister in law, Sylvia Alvarez and daughter Brandy and husband Danny Lozano and children; sister in law, Jessica and husband Arturo Sanchez and children Jessen and Sweet and child. He is preceded in death by his father, Jesse Garcia III, and his brother, Oscar Garcia.