By Mary Ann Poust
Catholic Online
NEW YORK — Thousands of firefighters from New York City and beyond gathered at a Staten Island church last week to bid farewell to one of their own, Lt. John H. Martinson — known to his firehouse buddies as “Johnny Nice Guy.”
With Martinson’s pregnant wife, Jessica, and his mother, Iris, listening at a funeral service Jan. 8 at St. Clare’s Church, the commanding officer of his Flatbush fire company eulogized him as “a dedicated fireman” whom others “were willing to follow.”
“We’re going to miss him dearly,” said Capt. Thomas Reilly in remarks that were carried by loudspeakers to the throngs outside the Eltingville church.
Full story: Fallen N.Y. firefighter eulogized as a hero