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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Firefighter
Age: 58
Year of Death: 2018

Jimmy Martinez

Jimmy Martinez of Staten Island, New York, lost his battle with a 9/11 related bone marrow cancer on August 24, 2018, after 26 years of service with the FDNY. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Maria; his three children, daughters Eileen and Alyssa; his son, FDNY Lieutenant Jimmy Martinez Jr.; and three grandchildren, Jimmy, Penelope, and Madelyn.

Jimmy Martinez began his career with the FDNY in January of 1990 and was assigned to Engine Co. 228 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, eager to “see more action.” He later transferred to Engine Co. 230 in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, where he served for ten years. The remainder of his career was served in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Staten Island, where he transferred in the spring of 2001.

On the morning of September 11th, after only briefly seeing the events unfolding on the television, Jimmy immediately reacted by reporting to his firehouse off duty and responding to the World Trade Center for the rescue and recovery efforts. He would go on to spend countless days digging for his missing brothers. During that time, he also returned to Engine 230 to help rebuild the firehouse after their heavy loss of six members. Jimmy showed that same courage and bravery on the night of October 29, 2012, when New York City was blindsided by Hurricane Sandy, pushing through heavy winds and neck deep waters to evacuate people from their flooded homes.

A true “hands on” senior man who led by example, his dedication to the FDNY was only second to his devotion to his family. From helping friends and family with their car repairs, home improvements, or just his astoundingly level-headed advice, he was always the go-to-guy who lit up the room when he got there to make a situation better. Jimmy always emphasized the importance of leaving the job better than he found it. For those who had the pleasure of knowing him and loving him, he left the world better than he found it.

Memorial Posts

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Memorial Wall

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  1. My dear nephew Jimmy Martinez,
    I want to let you know that you were the light of my eyes, your heroism, bravery and courageous self have made me very proud Aunt. I will always
    love you with all my heart. God Bless you and your family.
    Love you, Titi Carmita

    – Carmen R Martínez
  2. We first met at Domino Sugar Plant in 1981 when I was training on a sugar tablet machine. All I can remember was “boy, this little guy sure has some temper,” yelling and swearing while he was working on a packing equipment.
    Well, what started as coworkers soon became friends, and then we became brothers. It was one of the best things that happened in my life. We would talk about family, work, cars, motorcycles, and home repairs.
    Whenever we needed help we were only a phone call away. No matter what it was, how big or small the task was, you always did everything 100%.
    Back in the day I told you about applying for a city job. “Why not a fireman? They are always ready to help no matter what. We’ll both study and train hard for the test.” Sadly, my score was not there only by 5 points. But I knew that you would make an outstanding firefighter. You weren’t 6ft tall but you had a heart of a lion to handle whatever came your way. I remember that I was happy and excited for you and knew it was a career for you.
    I will never forget how strong a bond we had.
    Until we meet again, Brothers for life.

    Love your Brother,
      John

    – John Martinez
  3. I was fortunate to know Jimmy when we both worked at Domino Sugar. The leadership and accomplishments as a Fireman does not surprise me, as you were always a quality worker and person. God Bless your family, and forever we thank you for your service for the city of New York. Takes a special person to be a firefighter, you were that special person.

    – Dennis Richards