Appointed – February 11, 1980
Born – October 09, 1956
Deceased – July 25, 2013
Mario passed away July 25, 2013 in San Pedro. He was born October 9, 1956 in San Diego and was a 54 year resident of San Pedro. Mario attended Leland elementary, Dana Middle School and graduated from San Pedro High School in 1975. During his three years at San Pedro High he was a varsity starter and MVP on the football team. After graduating Mario pursued a degree in Fire Science at Harbor Community College. Mario went on to join the Fire Department in 1980, later becoming a paramedic in 1982. Because of his skill and devotion to his job and to helping others he was promoted to Captain. The LAFD was his life that he graciously served for 33 years. Mario loved to travel and it didn’t matter whether it was to the other side of the world to ski with his son or to New Mexico on his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his buddies. Mario is survived by his son, Eric Martinez; his beloved dog, Sasha; siblings, Mark and Theresa Chavez, Melinda Martinez, Cynthia and David Fees, Sergio Martinez, and Monica Martinez; nephews, Mark, Jr., and Raul; nieces, Adrienne, Jacqueline, Desiree, Julia, Justina, Rachelle, and Marie; and also his brothers and sisters in the Los Angeles Fire Department.