Remembering Hugo Guevara: Cy-Fair FD Firefighter to be Honored at Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs
On April 5, 2024, golfers will come together at the Houston National Golf Club to honor the memory and legacy of Hugo Guevara, a beloved firefighter, cherished friend, and family man who succumbed to COVID-19 while serving in the Cy-Fair Fire Department. The Good Vibes Golf Tournament will help fundraise to ensure his family's attendance at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, an honor that his brothers in arms are immensely proud to make a reality.
Remembered by friends and colleagues as a “big guy with a giant heart,” Hugo began his firefighting career in 2009 as a volunteer with the Cy-Fair Fire Department. A graduate of Cy-Springs High School, Hugo attended Lone Star College Cy-Fair where he obtained his TCFP Firefighter and EMT certifications. He served in the Katy Fire Department and then the Cy-Fair Fire Department, where he had been a full-time Driver/Operator since 2020. But his passion for firefighting went beyond extinguishing flames; he was about serving others, being a pillar of support for those in need, a mentor to young recruits, and a friend to all.
"Hugo was a guy that literally everyone loved to work with and just be around. Everyone knew if you were spending time with Hugo, you were destined for a good day", remembers Chris Fillmore, president of the Cy-Fair Professional Firefighters Association. They both attended high school and fire school together, with Fillmore witnessing how much Guevara impacted the lives of those around him.
Hugo, also known as "Juice" by his softball teams, was a firefighter full of life, loyalty, and laughter. A true Californian at heart, he stood his ground as a Dodgers fan in a sea of Astros supporters. Fillmore recollects, "Even when we teased him for being a Dodgers fan, he would just make us laugh and stay true to his team."
But Hugo’s journey was cut tragically short. He contracted COVID-19 in 2021 and lost his battle with the virus in September of that year, leaving behind a grieving family, a heartbroken community, and an unforgettable legacy at just 31 years of age. “Even when Hugo was in the hospital battling COVID-19, his outlook was always positive. I remember texting him while he was in the hospital, asking him how he was doing, and he responded with a selfie of himself on oxygen saying 'its tough to breathe but I’m getting better,' with his hand up making the hang ten sign," said Fillmore.
Hugo's colleagues were deeply saddened by his passing, feeling as though they had lost not just a teammate, but the heartbeat of their fire station. "Hugo had a heart of gold and was the soul of our station. He brought us laughter, united us, and made us the best version of ourselves. He was larger than life and you couldn't help but smile when he came in. He made everyone feel like family and he will forever be with us," recalls the Station 9 crew.
The tragic loss of their brother in arms sparked the Cy-Fair Fire Department's re-affiliation with the IAFF to bring better benefits for its members. "Hugo's passing made us realize the tremendous benefits our members were missing out on," Fillmore shares solemnly. Despite not being affiliated with the IAFF at the time of Hugo's passing, the IAFF has agreed to honor his service and sacrifice at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in September of this year.
Hugo Guevara, left, waving his signature hang ten sign. (Source: Chris Fillmore)The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is a significant tribute, honoring members from across the nation who made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial is held to remember their heroism and dedication to service, acknowledging the various risks they faced including occupational cancer, fatal injuries, and illness. It serves as a solemn reminder of the hazards associated with the firefighting profession and underlines the IAFF's pledge to make this dangerous job safer.
"Having Hugo's legacy honored and remembered is something we are proud to make happen for his family and kids," Fillmore says, adding that this was a significant moment for the Cy-Fair Fire Department.
To raise funds for Hugo's family to attend the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial ceremony in Colorado Springs, the Good Vibes Golf Tournament was born. Fillmore shares, "As we were discussing how to raise funds, our member Jason Brewer proposed the idea of this Golf Tournament. We named it the Good Vibes Golf Tournament in Hugo's honor because he was all about always sending good vibes or what we call "Hugo Vibes", Fillmore said.
This event is not just a tournament; it's an opportunity to come together, honor a beloved hero, and support a local family. "Our ultimate goal is to remember Hugo’s legacy and carry his 'Good Vibe' legacy on within the fire service," Fillmore emphasizes.
"Hugo’s strong spirit and stature made him stand out among the rest. He valued family and was often found spreading his good vibes. Hugo made you feel welcome and was always willing to lend a helping hand," recounts his mother, Lourdes Hernandez.
The Good Vibes Golf Tournament will be held on on April 5, 2024, at the Houston National Golf Club. Tee off is at 8:00 am, with tickets priced at $125 per player. Your contribution will allow Hugo's mother, sister, and his three children to be part of the memorial event in Colorado Springs. Make your ticket purchase today or simply make a financial contribution and help honor a true hero while celebrating Hugo's good vibes, remembering his heroic legacy and giving generously to support this worthy cause.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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