Jan 4, 2009 10:04 am US/Eastern
Mayor Bloomberg Honors Fallen Firefighter
Lt. Martinson Died Fighting Blaze In Crown Heights
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Lt. John Martinson died fighting a fire in a Crown Heights high-rise.
CBS
In Brooklyn, a solemn memorial was held for a firefighter killed in the line of duty one year ago Saturday.
Lieutenant John Martinson died while fighting a high-rise fire in Crown Heights.
At his firehouse Saturday, a plaque was dedicated to his memory.
"We lost a good man," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. "A man of strength and character, a man of duty."
Martinson was known affectionately as "Johnny Nice Guy," a man who was always there when friends and family needed him.
On the frigid and windy night of January 3, 2008, Martinson led his men in answering the call of a fire in a 14th floor apartment at the Ebbets Field houses.
When his men had to fall back, Martinson made sure that they got out safely – but he became trapped.
Martinson, only 40, died of smoke inhalation. He left behind his young son, and his wife – who was pregnant at the time. The daughter he never knew is now seven months old.
"I wanted to spend the rest of my life with John, to watch our children grow, to grow with him," Jessica Martinson said. "But if I had to do it again, knowing what I know now, I wouldn't change a thing."
"It is up to us, as adults, to tell John Patrick and Katherine Grace as many times as we can that their father was among the bravest of the brave," Bloomberg said. "And anyone who walks by this firehouse will know that as well."
There was a moment of silence as the plaque in John Martinson's memory was unveiled at Engine 249.
Officials say the fire that killed Martinson was accidentally started by a six-year-old boy who burned a piece of holiday wrapping paper.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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