Retired FDNY Firefighter Donates Van to the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation

March 2, 2017

On Thursday, March 2nd, 2017, family, friends, and colleagues of retired FDNY Firefighter Jimmy Martinez (E-157) gathered at the quarters of Engine 157 in Staten Island, to dedicate a vehicle he donated to the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation.

Firefighter Martinez, a 26-year veteran of the Department, was diagnosed with cancer as a result of his work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. “This is paying it forward,” said Firefighter Martinez. “I was at the receiving end of the support from the FDNY, along with all the friends and family that were there for me. I had the help of the family assistance vehicles since day one and it made everything I was going through so much easier to deal with. My family and I want to show my appreciation to the Fire Department for all they have done."

Chief of Department James E. Leonard highlighted Firefighter Martinez’s kindness, “he’s been there for this Department, he’s the role model that you want to come up to and look like and act like because he earned that reputation,” said Chief Leonard.

Son of Firefighter Martinez, FDNY Firefighter Jimmy N. Martinez of Ladder 113 said, "the members before us who made these sacrifices are the reason we are here today. They're in need and it's our job to help them and their families. We have to leave this job better than the way we came in."

The FDNY Family Transport Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that depends on donations to transport sick or injured FDNY members and their families to and from their medical appointments. To learn more about the foundation and how to help, visit Fire Family Transport Foundation.

Each day thousands of patients worldwide with leukemia, aplastic anemia or other fatal blood diseases are searching for a life-saving match. Firefighter Martinez collaborated with We Delete Blood Cancer to orchestrate bone marrow registries around the city. To see how you can help, visit New York Blood Center who has partnered with Be the Match, America’s Bone Marrow Registry, in the recruitment and management of unrelated volunteer bone marrow donors.

To see photos from today’s event, click here.