HOUSTON – The Houston Fire Department says a firefighter who has served the city since 2003 has died after suffering a medical emergency over the holidays.
Captain Aaron Rios, 46, died on Wednesday. The department said he was not on-duty when the medical emergency occurred.
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He 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.
“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.”
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 City of Houston mourns the loss of Capt. Rios, a courageous firefighter and committed public servant. His dedication to the Houston Fire Department will always be remembered,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. "