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City of Houston mourning loss of active duty firefighter

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Published  January 8, 2025 10:11pm CST
Houston
FOX 26 Houston

The Brief

    • The Houston Fire Department is mourning the loss of Captain Aaron Rios, a dedicated public servant who served the community for over 20 years.
    • A vigil was held to honor Captain Rios, and the Firefighter Support Network is assisting his family during this difficult time.
    • Captain Rios will be remembered for his dedication to the Houston Fire Department and his commitment to serving the community.

HOUSTON - The City of Houston is mourning following the loss of an active-duty firefighter on Wednesday. 

According to a release, 46-year-old Captain Aaron Rios passed away after an off-duty medical emergency that occurred over the holidays. 

Captain Aaron Rios

"Captain Rios was a great man by all accounts, and the Houston Fire Department was privileged to benefit from his work," said Chief Muñoz. "My heart breaks for his family, both those at home and his extended family here in the department."

Rios joined the department in September 2003, achieving the rank of Captain in 2017. He was most recently assigned to Station 104/D-shift in Kingwood.

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"The City of Houston mourns the loss of Capt. Rios, a courageous firefighter and committed public servant," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. "His dedication to the Houston Fire Department will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time."

A vigil was held for Captain Rios Wednesday evening at HCA Kingwood Hospital, where more than 100 firefighters and civilians came together to honor Rios’s life. 

Funeral arrangements are pending. 

The Firefighter Support Network will assist the Rios family in the coming days.

The Source: Information provided by a news release from the City of Houston. 

HoustonNews