READ: Obituary, Funeral Arrangements For Todd David Martinez
Todd David Martinez, age 49, passed away on Sunday February 2, 2014 in Summerfield. Todd was born November 3, 1964 to Loretta Martinez in Clark County Nevada and grew up in Oakland and Hayward California. As a young man, he served proudly in the US Coast Guard and the United States Naval Reserves. Todd worked as a fireman and paramedic in Alameda County, California before moving to High Point, NC with his first wife Kelli. Todd started working at the High Point Fire Department as a Firefighter in 1997 and was also a part-time Paramedic with the Guilford County Emergency Services. He served as president of the International Firefighters Association Local 673 Post.
Todd lived his life with passion and enthusiasm for absolutely everything. He was extremely dedicated to his profession and performed his duties with diligence, compassion, and empathy. Because of his devotion and commitment, Todd will have a lasting impact on so many lives. He was a humble man who never wanted or expected anything in return for his gracious behavior and commitment to society.
Todd lived life to the fullest and had strongly held views on just about every subject. He was an ardent supporter of the Republican Party yet was also a strong advocate for organized labor and was head of a local Labor Union. Todd was a devout Catholic and his faith guided his life. He had a strong presence and influence as a faithful member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point. He fervently believed in the importance of family and has helped build the next generation of society by instilling faith, confidence, and perseverance in his children.
Todd was an amazing joker and enjoyed nothing more than making others laugh. He loved anything and everything to do with model trains, cycling, scuba/snorkeling, and hunting-shooting sports. He was well known in the neighborhood for his Halloween bonfire, a surprising activity for a fireman but at least we could be confident that the neighbors were not in danger!
Todd is now with his Heavenly Father. He leaves behind a host of dedicated friends as well as brothers in firefighting and extended families on the East and West coasts. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. He will be sorely missed by his mother Loretta, his devoted children, Bryce, Ryan, Mitchell, and Rachel, and his loving wife Melanie.
“You will be missed, ‘my love.’” – Melanie
Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday February 6, 2014, at Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Friday February 7, 2014, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point with Reverend Vincent E. Smith, OSFS as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Todd’s name to VIP for a VIP 2406 Farm Gate Road Brown Summit, NC 27214.
—- http://www.cumbyfuneral.com/obituaries/Todd-Martinez/#!/Obituary
IAFF Family In N.C. Lose One Of Our Own
It is with heavy hearts that IAFF members across North Carolina mourn one of our own. High Point IAFF Local 673 President Todd Martinez died approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday after being struck by a hit and run vehicle while riding his bicycle.
The PFFPNC Executive Board and all our affiliates are deeply sorrowed by this tragedy. We would like to ask that everyone keep Todd’s family and High Point Local members, as well as the full Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers.
PFFPNC To Donate 400 New Coats For Children In Need Across The State
ASHEVILLE – Approximately 75 Buncombe County children, and around 300 others across the state, will not worry about staying warm at the bus stop or playground this winter thanks to the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association of North Carolina.
Asheville Fire Fighters Association donated its portion of the coats amongst the Black Mountain Home for Children, Eliada Home and Shiloh Recreation Center. A donation presentation was held to the Eliada Home, 2 Compton Drive, Asheville, at 3:30 on Tuesday. The remaining donations will made to the other two recipients days following.
“This is a great opportunity to provide to children in need in our community that we are proud to serve,” said Scott Mullins, President Asheville Fire Fighters Association Local 865. “As fire fighters, we want to see kids in our town that are provided with warm coats. It’s a good feeling that we are able to support a community that supports us by providing American-made coats to those most in need.”
PFFPNC and its statewide local associations are active participants in Firefighters Coats for Kids, an outreach foundation that provides never-worn, American-made coats for children in need. Firefighters Coats for Kids is part of Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization that addresses the need of children living in poverty in the United States with new coats.
In its first year of participation, PFFPNC has donated money for 400 new coats for children across North Carolina. The coats will be divided among some of the local organizations of PFFPNC, including Asheville, Concord, Statesville and Winston-Salem.
The PFFPNC is involved in many statewide and nationally supported outreach programs. The statewide organization decided to become involved in Firefighter Coats for Kids as an example of giving back to the community that gives to its fire fighters and paramedics. The money donated to Firefighters Coats for Kids through Operation Warm comes from fundraising efforts in participating cities. Support for these efforts comes from the public, so PFFPNC feels it should in turn show its support to members of the community. This is one example.
The statewide organization also is in support of Fire Fighters Coats for Kids and Operation Warm because all donated coats are brand new, never worn or dry-cleaned, and most importantly made in America. PFFPNC is proud to support a cause that puts warm coats on the backs of children in need, but also support labor in the country that provides jobs for those also in need of work.