Lieutenant Martin “Butch” Melody, 41, a 15-year veteran of the City of Danbury Fire Department, died on February 23, 1982. He became trapped when the second-floor collapsed, while advancing a hoseline and looking for a reported missing employee. Lieutenant Melody was one of two veteran firefighters killed in this incident. This was the first time a Danbury firefighter was killed while fighting a fire in its 92-year history. Lieutenant Melody was assigned to Engine Company 23, Union President of IAFF Local 801 since 1980, President of Danbury Rugby Club, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Amerigo Vespucci Lodge. He was also active in sports, played in the Danbury Industrial Softball League, and a member of St. Peter’s Church. He was a graduate of Danbury Schools. Lieutenant Melody is survived by Maura (Danaher) Melody (wife), Brian Melody (son) and Erin Melody (daughter).
Lt .Martin Melody, thank you for your dedicated and brave service, and my deepest condolences to the Melody family. May he rest in eternal peace, and prayers always for the Melody family. John Melody, proud son of the late retired Battalion chief Thomas Melody, Newark NJ FD.
– JOHN MELODY