Park Dedicated in Honor of Lt. John Martinson

Iris Martinson (pink shirt), Jessica Martinson and 3-year-old John Patrick stand with Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano and FDNY Chaplain Reverend Stephen Harding unveil the plaque dedicating the park at P.S. 55 as the Lt. John H. Martinson Playground.

Dozens of firefighters gathered at Staten Island’s P.S. 55 on June 5, as the school’s Double Nickel Playground was dedicated to honor Lt. John Martinson.

Lt. Martinson sustained fatal injuries while fighting a two-alarm fire at the Ebbets Field Houses in Brooklyn on Jan. 3, 2008.

“Thank you for the honor, acknowledgment and respect,” the Lieutenant’s wife, Jessica Martinson, said. “Now my children can tell everyone that this is their daddy’s park.”

Ms. Martinson attended the ceremony with her two children, John Patrick, 3, and Catherine Grace, 1; as well as Lt. Martinson’s mother, Iris.

The park is near the home in which Lt. Martinson was raised, as well as the home he was renovating for his family when he was killed. Firefighters from his firehouse completed the renovations.

Jessica Martinson said she often walked to the park with Lt. Martinson and their son.

“Here the memory of John Martinson will never be forgotten,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano added, “Children will play here for years to come and will remember him as a hero - not for how he died, but how he lived.”

The Martinson family joins officials from the FDNY and politicians from Staten Island as a park is dedicated in honor of Lt. Martinson.

Politicians attending the ceremony, including Council Member Vincent Ignizio, Council Member James Oddo and State Senator Andrew Laza announced during the ceremony that $1.5 million will be spent to renovate the playground in Lt. Martinson’s honor.

“Through this, John Patrick and Catherine Grace will learn who their daddy was,” said Iris Martinson. “This is a very special honor for us.”