Tempe has lost one of its stalwart heroes with the passing of Fire Paramedic John Garza, who succumbed to cancer earlier this morning. Garza, a veteran member of the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, dedicated himself to serving his community for over two decades, according to an announcement by the city. His tenure on Engine 273 at Station 3 marked the final chapter of a committed career that saw him not only save lives regularly but also take on varied roles, including those of a captain and engineer.
Garza, who also served in the US Marine Corps, is remembered for his deep-rootedness in the community, which began to firmly take root as far back as his graduation from Tempe High School in 1990. This connection only grew stronger as he tirelessly responded to calls across the city, building an unspoken covenant with the very grounds he protected. He leaves behind his wife, Liana Garza, and their two children, Johnny and Maya. In a statement obtained by the City of Tempe announcement, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods expressed the city's heartache and gratitude, "On behalf of the entire City of Tempe, I would like to express sincere condolences to Fire Paramedic John Garza's family, and thank them for the service he provided."
