Bryan Garcia, 18, saved the life of an Odessa woman during a mobile home fire on Aug. 13.

The courageous Fort Stockton native who recently moved to Odessa was quick to respond to the panicked screams coming from within the burning home.

“I didn’t think twice,” explained Garcia. “I saw the mobile home on fire and reacted instantly. I was breaking down doors and windows trying to get inside. Once I got in there I couldn’t see anything — it was pitch black. I couldn’t see anything because of all the smoke. I was just feeling my way around. Then I found the lady and I was able pull her out.”

The survivor was the mother of Azaria Williams, an infant who unfortunately did not survive the tragedy.

“I wish I could’ve done more,” he said. “The woman didn’t get burned, but I’m sure she had a lot of smoke in her lungs, because I did. I never once thought about myself or getting burned or if I would make it out of there alive. I just heard screams and ran inside.”

Garcia has lived in Fort Stockton his entire life and says he barely moved to Odessa a few months ago.

“All my family is from there,” he shared. “Fort Stockton taught me to never think about yourself in situations like that. Always be willing to give a helping hand.”