Capt. Edward Escamilla, Jonathan Guzman and Darren Jones spent weeks in the hospital after the January 7 fire in southeast Houston.
HOUSTON — Three Houston firefighters who suffered second and third-degree burns while battling a two-alarm apartment fire last month got a special surprise from the Houston Texans on Tuesday.
Former Texans defensive end Travis Johnson, a 2005 first-round draft pick, presented Capt. Edward Escamilla, Jonathan Guzman and Darren Jones with custom jerseys courtesy of the team. Texans cheerleaders were also on hand for the presentation at Fire Station 46.
“We’re excited because we want to make sure we acknowledge our heroes of Houston, of this city,” Johnson said. “Everybody don’t realize the fire department probably don’t get as much love as they should, you know. I’m a little bit biased because one of my best friends is a firefighter.”
The firefighters were clearly touched by the gesture.
“I just wanna say thank you. We don’t, we don’t normally do this for any accolades,” Escamilla said. “We do it because we love this community, the city that we were born and bred, so thank you very much. This, this is awesome. This is awesome.”
The firefighters said they’re also deeply grateful for all the support they’ve received from the community.
“I just want to thank you guys so much for everything you’ve done. We hear all the support, all the prayers you give us, thank you guys a lot,” Jones said.
‘They were very close to losing their lives’
On Jan. 7, the firefighters were trapped by a falling door when they ran into one of the burning units to make sure everyone was out at the complex near Jarmese Street and Coffee Street.
They issued a mayday, and another firefighter ripped the door open to help get the trapped firefighters to safety.
“Their equipment melted, their air packs melted on their backs. Their helmets were melted. They were very close to losing their lives,” Mayor John Whitmire said at a news conference.
Officials added that their equipment did its job but was compromised.
The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association raised money to help cover expenses during their long recovery. HPFFA is collecting funds online at houstonsbravest.org.