SAN ANTONIO – Federal, state and city officials released statements Friday in the wake of the death of San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem and two firefighters who were injured in a fire Thursday night at a shopping center on Ingram Road.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar:
Recommended Videos
"I am saddened to learn of the tragic loss of firefighter Scott Deem. My sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and everyone in the San Antonio Fire Department. I am praying for the others who have been injured in this horrible tragedy."
Gov. Greg Abbott:
"Cecilia and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Deem family during this unimaginably difficult time. Those who put their lives on the line to serve others deserve our deepest respect, and we can never say thank you enough. In the days to come, we ask that all Texans join us in sending their well wishes to those injured in this incident for a full and speedy recovery, and in keeping everyone affected by this fire in their thoughts and prayers."
Mayor Ivy Taylor:
"We are blessed to have an outstanding fire department made up of some of the best and bravest men and women in the country. Unfortunately, last night one of our best did not make it home. We will always be in debt to Mr. Deem and the sacrifice he and his family have made.
"This morning, members of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association shared with me a lot about who Scott Deem was and what he meant to the men and women he served beside. He was a family man, a husband, a father, and a firefighter. He was a good friend to everyone who knew him and was an asset to the San Antonio Fire Department in every sense of the word."
"I was at the emergency room last night and was reminded not just about the bravery and strength of the men and women in uniform, but also of their loved ones who pray something like this never happens."
District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino:
"My deepest condolences go out to the family of firefighter Scott Deem who lost his life in the line of duty last night. Only a special and courageous kind of human knowingly risks their life day in and day out to keep our community safe.
"I wish the two firefighters who were seriously injured a speedy recovery. While you are saddened by the loss of your colleague, friend, and brother just know that the community, as it always does, stands ready to support their firefighters in whatever way possible. Thank you to the San Antonio Fire Department for continuing to protect our community."
District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales:
"It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest sympathies to the family of heroic firefighter Scott Deem, who lost his life in the Ingram fire last night. We also want to ask our community to pray for the rapid recovery of his two fellow firefighters who were injured fighting this horrific fire. We know we speak for the residents of District 5 and all of San Antonio when we say that we are forever grateful for our dedicated first responders, who place their lives in jeopardy everyday to protect us. We want to assure Chief Charles Hood that we are committed to providing the resources needed to make sure we maintain a high level of effectiveness in all aspects of the department's mission."
District 7 Councilman Cris Medina:
"I extend my prayers, thoughts, and condolences to the family of San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem and the entire San Antonio Fire Department, for the loss of one of their own as he battled a 4-alarm blaze last night. For six years, Scott was committed to protecting our community and last night he made the ultimate sacrifice in that service.
"As a member of the military community, I value tremendously the sacrifices made not only by our first responders, but by their families as well. This tragic loss is felt by us all. I encourage us all to stand with them during this time of grief."
District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg:
"We awoke today to tragic news: the death of San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem, who died while heroically battling a four-alarm fire. Deem, a six-year veteran, reportedly entered the blaze searching for people to evacuate. Knowing that he was putting his life on the line, he went in anyway. We will remember his sense of duty and heroism. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends and our community of first responders. We are also praying for the speedy recovery of the two firefighters who were injured in the fire."
Richard Miller, President, 100 Club of San Antonio:
On behalf of the 100 Club of San Antonio, our board of directors, 100 Club Survivor Families and a grateful community, we offer our condolences and prayers to the family of SAFD Firefighter Scott Deem and his family as well as the San Antonio Fire Department family as they mourn the loss of fallen hero. Additionally, we stand ready to serve those firefighter’s who were injured in this most tragic fire and hold them and their families in prayer.