Derek Duval Martin‚ 38‚ career captain‚ St. Louis Fire Department‚ died May 3‚ 2002‚ when he became trapped while searching for another firefighter at a structure fire. Two firefighters died in this incident. Martin served with the department for 11 years. The department posthumously awarded him a Medal of Valor and promoted him to the rank of captain. A native of Jackson‚ Mississippi‚ he served with the U.S. Army before becoming a state corrections officer in Jefferson City and St. Louis. He was active at Mercy Seat Baptist Church‚ where he had recently been ordained a deacon.
He was excited about everything he participated in and was a tremendous family man.
I had the good fortune of meeting Derek Martin thru the preschool my daughter attended when they came to talk to our kids about fire safety. Not only was he a very well respected fireman….he was also a great man. The kids loved him! I am proud to have gotten to know Derek and have missed him very much. Thanks for all of your great gifts of memories to us Derek…we will always miss you!
– MarthaI had the honor of working with Derek when he was Mo Eastern Correctional Center in that administration segregation unit for several years piror of becoming a STL Firefighter. He was a excellent Correction officer and liked by all. It my privilege to call him my friend and coworker. To this day I still miss him and his attitude he brought to the job. I know he is with JESUS and look forward to seeing him again.
– Mark A WalkerMark A Walker. …