Senate Resolution No. 1592

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the death of Firefighter Donald J. Martin
of the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Company

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Firefighter Donald J. Martin,
noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Martin of Buffalo, New York, died on Monday,
March 27, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Martin proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Martin joined the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire
Company in August of 1960, and was an active and productive member until
his death; throughout his 47 years of service, he always strived to give
back to his community; and

WHEREAS, In October of 1965, Donald J. Martin became a member of the
Exempts Association; after 17 years of devoted service, he was named a
Life Member in April of 1982; after some time off, he rejoined the
Department in 1991; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Department, Donald J. Martin
held the position of Fire Police Captain, and served as the Fire Company
Chaplain for many years; and

WHEREAS, When he was not at the fire house or lending a hand to a
fellow firefighter or friend, he worked as an usher with the Buffalo
Bisons Minor League Baseball Team; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Martin distinguished himself in the Kenilworth
Volunteer Fire Company and by his sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, A great asset to society, Donald J. Martin is going to be
truly missed and will be a great loss to the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire
Company; and

WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help
others and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with
family and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need;
Donald J. Martin was such a firefighter; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his years of devoted service, Donald J. Martin
heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those
responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brother, Robert Martin, Donald J. Martin
is survived by his wife Jean (McGowan) Martin; three sons, Scott (Sandy)
Martin, Jeff Martin, and Brian (Terri) Martin; one daughter, Kelli
(John) Carlini; seven grandchildren, Scott, Jr., Christopher, Sean,
Lindsey, Cory, Matthew, and Jessica; and one sister, Phyllis Beckstein;

as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will long
cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Donald J. Martin leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Firefighter Donald J. Martin of the Kenilworth
Volunteer Fire Company; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Firefighter Donald J. Martin.