1989

November 10, 1989
Automobile Accident –@ 3000 Canal

DOB - 1/9/1962, Age 27
Badge – 4412 
Class #124
Final Resting Place –    VA Cemetery, Houston TX    

Florentino M. Garcia, Jr. was killed in the line of duty on November 10, 1989. He died while escorting a funeral on Canal Street. The funeral was escorted by two off-duty officers. One of the officers was at the front to direct traffic. Garcia was at the rear of the approximately 20-car procession.
Garcia was killed by Felipe Martinez, who was charged with negligent homicide.
Martinez was turning left off of Canal at the intersection of Ennis. He was taken downtown to police headquarters, where he said that he was given clearance to turn by one of the cars and did not see the police officer. Martinez could only see out of his left eye because of an injury to his right eye.

Doctor Arniris Alcover heard the crash and rushed outside of his clinic. "He started CPR immediately, and never stopped for a second until the ambulance crew was there," said Police Officer John Sexton. "That was my duty," Alcover said. "What else could I have done? I only feel badly for his family, that I was not able to save him and send him home to them."

Garcia was the father of two daughters. The children were taken to Hermann Hospital.
Their father died just after 11 a.m. His parents were out of town at the time of the tragedy.

Officer Garcia was well known and well liked in the department. Officers also said that Officer Garcia was engaged and would have been married soon.

Source – Houston Police Department Museum Files