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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Firefighter
Age: 20
Year of Death: 2002

Jacob B. Martindale

Submitted by his parents

Jacob Brent Martindale‚ 20‚ was on his way to fight the Haymen Fired in Colorado on June 21‚ 2002‚ when the Ford van he was traveling in rolled‚ killing Jake and 4 other firefighters.

It would have been Jake’s first real fire and a chance to make money to study abroad in Italy in the fall of 2002. But instead‚ we lost a son‚ a brother‚ and a much-loved friend. We lost a person with many talents‚ he earned good grades and was working towards a major in International Business and then planned to join the Peace Corp. Jake shared his music with us‚ playing both the piano and guitar‚ and even writing his own songs. Jake loved to be doing things. He played many school sports‚ football‚ baseball‚ pole vaulting in track‚ and basketball. He was always busy with his friends and family‚ skiing‚ snowboarding‚ camping (especially in the winter)‚ kayaking‚ mountain biking‚ swing dancing‚ playing computer games‚ shooting his bow and arrows‚ and flying kites or fishing with his Dad. He found time to do these things and still worked a job at Men’s Warehouse through high school and college.

Jake worked to make his dreams come true‚ but he had fun along the way and shared his fun-loving spirit with us. This humorous guy knew how to make you laugh and enjoy the lighter side of life. He could brighten your worst day in a matter of seconds with a few helpful funny words or with one of his hugs. We will miss Jake the rest of our lives‚ but we are inspired by his incredible heart‚ a great sense of humor and attitude for life‚ and an unbelievable musical talent. We are grateful that you are a part of our lives – Thank you Jake.

Jake was intelligent and fun loving. When he came home‚ the excitement and noise level just went up.

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