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Houston Fire Department Captain Tommy Searcy dies of COVID-19
Houston Fire Department officials say Captain Tommy Searcy has been with HFD since 2002 and was promoted to captain in 2013. He served most of his career in southeast Houston.
HOUSTON - The Houston Fire Department is mourning the death of Captain Tommy Searcy who died Tuesday after battling COVID-19.
Captain Searcy is now the third firefighter from HFD to die in the line of duty from COVID-19.
"Capt Searcy was a healthy individual by all accounts. Very young individual, strong, he fought this for over a month," said Houston Fire Chief, Sam Pena.
Searcy is an 18-year-veteran of HFD, most recently assigned to Station 67.
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The 45-year-old died in the ICU Tuesday, after a month-long battle with COVID-19.
"It's heartbreaking for this community, for this organization," Pena said.
Searcy’s body was escorted by a procession of fellow firefighters to Klein Funeral Home in Tomball Tuesday afternoon.
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"Capt. Searcy was an exceptional firefighter and a selfless teammate. He was a tireless public servant. He was committed to this community. He gave 18 years of his life, of his career serving the city of Houston and it’s something that is awe-inspiring, really," said Pena.
Searcy leaves behind three daughters—Kaylin, Krista and Kinley, as well as his twin brother, Tony Searcy, a senior captain of HFD.
A public Facebook group titled “Searcy Strong” was initially created to post updates about his condition. The page has now turned into a virtual memorial site for friends and family to share their favorite memories.
Mayor Sylvester Turner released a statement in response to his death that said, "On behalf of the City of Houston, I extend condolences to the family of Houston Fire Captain Tommy Searcy, who passed away earlier today from complications of COVID-19.
Capt. Searcy fought his illness with the same fierce bravery that he exhibited throughout his 18-year HFD career. Searcy's family, HFD Chief Sam Pena, and fellow firefighters will undoubtedly miss his leadership and dedication to the fire department.
"We know that COVID-19 is a persistent and relentless virus that has ravaged our country and the Houston community. The City of Houston has now lost six municipal employees and three firefighters as a result of the coronavirus global pandemic.
"I encourage everyone to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash their hands frequently, and get tested. We must keep working together to save lives and stop the virus from spreading."
Pena says so far, 270 firefighters have tested positive for Coronavirus over the last six months. Currently, roughly 50 firefighters are in quarantine.
HFD has not yet released details about Capt. Searcy's memorial service.
HFD Currently has about 50 firefighters in quarantine… no word on memorial or service yet.