Captain II – Fire Station 61
Deceased:
05/08/2021
Appointed:
12/14/1980
Pensioned:
01/30/2016 – FS 61
Details about the Celebration of Life
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Ed Tapia says
It was a sad weekend for me, not only the loss of Ray Mayo but also my friend Mark Martinez. I had the pleasure of working with Mark at 14’s. He showed up out of no where. He transferred into 14’s , and nobody knew who this guy was. Well we found out real quick.(a hard worker, a great A/O, a prankster) Then, he found out who we were! Many laughs with Mark. Like the time I didn’t feed the crew till midnight, because of all the harassment he was giving me one day. I told him don’t mess with the cook. Or the prank on Ray Mayo when Ray first got there, or when Capt. Ott put him on the rescue for some training. We always kept in touch on and off the job. May the LORD bless his wife Karen, his girls and son during this trying time. Know the Lord will get you through this. RIP my friend I will cherish our friendship…
Mike Castillo says
The LAFD lost another great one with the passing of Mark Martinez. I was a youngster at Fire Station 12 when I first met Mark when he was promoted to A/O and assigned to Fire Station 12. He took me under his wing both professionally and personally and became one of my best friends both on and off the job. Russ Weck was the TFC and we were part of the cast of characters of Battalion 2!!. We worked with BC Bill White, Ted Menold, Jerry Layton, Jerry Travens, George Duarte Sr., Tye Wood and countless other outstanding folks. We arrived at work laughing and smiling and left work laughing and smiling. Those were the days!!
Mark was a true and loyal friend, the very best husband, father, son, and brother. He was an outstanding Firefighter, A/O, Captain I and Captain II. He will be missed by many; may he rest in peace. Continued prayers for Karen and the Martinez family.
Mike Castillo
Bob Munoa says
As Ed said above Mark showed up at 14C as a stranger to all of us. He was Scott Frazier and my relief. We gave him a hard time, but he earned our respect with his work ethic and a intense desire to learn and be a good Auto Fireman. He was a sponge and wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion. Mark covered for us while we studied for Captain. I came back 3 years later as the Captain I on the B shift. I got to work around Mark for a few more years. I then made Capt II and left for 3 months and then was blessed to be assigned to 14C. I think Mark was a little apprehensive about driving me. I drove Bill Finn for 9+ years and wanted the same team work we had with my A/O, I had that with Mark. We were always on the same page and I never had to worry about Mark’s ability and performance. We put together an outstanding crew and as Captain Pete used to say “we did it right”. Mark contributed to the smooth operation of the Fire Station, he would pop his head in the office door and ask if I had a second, and then bring up a concern, but always with a idea of how to make us better. Mark had my upmost respect as a leader and big part of our crew. His loss hurts. This has been a tough week losing Mark and Ray Mayo both long time friends, colleagues and a part of all our lives. The Munoa Family sends their condolences to Karen and family. I will never forget you my friend. Rest In Peace.
Jayson Johnson says
Capt. – JJ here. I echo what you said about it being a tough week, Thank you for my time at 14’s. It was my favorite assignment and I loved being a C shifter.,
https://youtu.be/X6a0idgVhHE
Paul Nelson says
Mark was smooth, he always had a smile, great sense of humor and was very confident. I met Mark when we were Rookies and always enjoyed working around him. If Mark was there you knew things were going to happen and get done.
Thank you Mark, for the honor of knowing you. No more pain now. Rest In Peace, God Bless you and your family.
Wes Elder says
Mark was my A/O at my truck house when I went thru Cross Training in 1994. It was a very controversial program back in the day. I was in the first group of three EMS Captains that were trained. At the end of training, we would be assigned to an Engine Company as a Captain. As you can imagine, there was understandably a lot of mixed emotions and animosity associated with program. As fate would have it my Truck House was Fire Station 14 “C” Platoon. I was blessed to have Mark as my A/O. He didn’t agree with the program and he let me know it my first shift but he assured me that I was his “rookie” and he was going to teach me everything he could during our time together.
Mark was an outstanding A/O, fireman, teacher, mentor, encourager, butt chewer, and friend to me during my time at 14’s. He was the consummate professional in that he was able to put aside his personal feelings and truly helped me during my time there. Lessons he taught me I carried thru with me the rest of my career. My last shift there he told me that I did a “good job” and that he respected me for what I was doing. He told me he thought I was going to be a good Captain and he’d work with me anytime. My respect and fondness for Mark is immeasurable. He was a friend to me when I really needed one. God Speed Mark, you are missed and remembered… You made a difference.
Patrick Butler says
Mark was an amazing human being, family man, and one hell of a fireground A/O, Captain I and II. He had an impact on me and many others on the LAFD. I worked with Mark at FS14. I was a new Captain at 14’s working under Bob Munoa and we put together a study group for Captain with Ed Larini, Gerry Paez, and Mark. Mark coined it “Butt Tech” and little did they know that I was the one they were making into a better officer. In the end, Mark was at the top of the list and I gave him my bugles when he promoted, which today are worn by Captain Mark Aguirre – another 14’w alumnus.
May god bless the Martinez Family – Godspeed to you Mark you will be missed!