[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING MARTIN L. KING, FIREFIGHTER, CITY OF NEW HAVEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, November 17, 1998, family and 
friends will come together to hold a testimonial dinner to honor Martin 
L. King, who retired from the New Haven Fire Department after forty-
eight years. It is with great pleasure that I salute Marty King and his 
notable career of service to the New Haven Fire Department.
  Marty King's career as a firefighter began in 1953 when he was 
transferred from his first public service job with the New Haven Police 
Department. Marty served the police department with distinction for two 
years, but his heart was with the fire service. In 1954, Marty was 
assigned to the old Central Fire Station on Court Street. It was from 
this point that he launched his long career of courage and commitment 
to his community.
  Because of Marty's hard work and strong devotion, he was promoted to 
lieutenant in 1967 where he was assigned to the Lombard Street Station. 
Following his duty there, he was transferred to headquarters as a 
veteran firefighter. For the past ten years, Marty worked as an 
administrative aide in the fire chief's office.
  Marty earned a number of awards during the course of his career. He 
received many citations and a commendation for his bravery, and was 
also honored as the Fireman of the Year in 1993. Most notably, Marty 
was presented with the 35-year award from the Connecticut State 
Fireman's Association in 1987. His awards serve as a testament to his 
dedication to fire fighting and to protecting residents of New Haven. 
In addition to his outstanding record with the Department, Marty 
proudly served his country by joining the Navy during World War II.
  Marty remains a legend to many, being the oldest member of the 
department in years of service, and the last active fireman who fought 
the most devastating fire the City had ever witnessed. The incident 
occurred when the factory on Franklin Street caught fire. Tragically, 
15 people lost their lives.
  I am very pleased to join Marty's colleagues and friends, his wife 
Kathryn, his six children, and his grandchildren in congratulating him 
on his retirement. His departure is a great loss to the Department. His 
efforts have made this City a better and safer place to live. Indeed, 
Marty, has left an indelible mark on the City of New Haven. I thank you 
for a lifetime of extraordinary services to the public, and I wish you 
much health and happiness in your retirement.

                          ____________________