17-year veteran died on Monday
Jay R. Jordan, Houston Chronicle, with permission
HOUSTON (Houston Chronicle) – A second Houston firefighter died this week after battling COVID-19, the fire department announced.
Jerry Pacheco, a 17-year veteran with the Houston Fire Department, died early Monday morning after spending time in the hospital battling the virus that has gripped the city. Pacheco worked as a paramedic at Station 101 in Kingwood.
“We mourn the loss of our friend,” said Marty Lancton, president of the Houston firefighters’ union. “His tragic death is another reminder to be vigilant in our efforts to keep our families, friends and station crews safe in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Pacheco is the second Houston firefighter to die after a fierce battle with the virus. Leroy Lucio, a 62-year-old captain from Station 103 in Kingwood, died a week ago in a San Antonio hospital.
On Twitter, Houston leaders offered condolences for HFD and Pacheco’s family, including Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.
