AUSTIN, Texas — Firefighters from the Austin area will travel to San Antonio to pay their respects to Greg Garza, the firefighter who lost his life earlier this week, while on duty.
- Vehicle hit and killed Garza
- Austin firefighters may relieve San Antonio firefighters on day of funeral
Round Rock firefighter Bill Clifton has been playing the bagpipes for nearly a decade. He often travels with other firefighters from his department to honor first responders and military members who were killed in the line of duty.
READ MORE | San Antonio Firefighter Dies After Being Hit by Vehicle
"It's humbling, it's an honor, but yet, I would rather go the rest of my career and never have to play bag pipes again at a funeral. Just to have those first responders, those heroes still today with us" said Clifton.
Clifton and a few other firefighters plan to travel to San Antonio next week for Garza's funeral.
READ MORE | Community Mourns Fallen San Antonio Firefighter Greg Garza
"He didn't wake up that morning, not knowing that he wasn't going to go home. That's some of the discussions that I have with my own spouse and children. You truly hold on to every moment that you have," he added.
Austin Fire Association President Bob Nicks offered to send firefighters to San Antonio, so Garza's colleagues can attend his funeral.
"Slow down, put your phone down, move away from the vehicle and really keep a higher level of awareness because firefighters will be around doing activities and we all need to work together to keep each other safe," Nicks.