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SearchBanner Adpublished: Friday, November 06, 2009 
Hundreds gather to say goodbye to Ryan Martin By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY christopher.tuffley@newssun.com AVON PARK -- The sanctuary at Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church filled to overflowing, the large gathering subdued and respectful as the community said a final goodbye to Ryan Christopher Martin, a young firefighter who was killed in a traffic accident on his way to work Thursday morning, Oct. 29. He would have turned 24 Christmas Eve. The day had been cloudy with a breeze until Martin was carried from the church and lifted onto Highlands Lakes fire and rescue truck No. 1 for his trip to the Bougainvillea Cemetery. Then the sun suddenly came out, as if to warm the hearts of those saying farewell. The procession to the cemetery was over a mile long, civilian automobiles following fire engines from Sun 'N Lakes South, Highlands Park, Leisure Lakes, Sun 'N Lakes of Sebring, DeSoto City, Lorida, West Sebring, Hardee County, Placid Lakes, the cities of Avon Park and Sebring, and ambulances representing Highlands County. A special escort by the Red Knights Motorcycle Club -- made up of firefighters from as far away as Ohio -- rode to honor one of their own. Dozens of firefighters, their uniforms starched and pressed, came from all over to pay their respects. Many had known Martin personally. Many had worked at his side. Every one of them told of a man who had found his calling, who lived every day fully, who had taken Christ into his heart, fallen in love and treasured his family. "He was a truly all-American firefighter," said his friend Robbie Bullock, describing how they spent hours talking about their work, the world, their futures. "Ryan was a loyal and upstanding guy," Bullock said. "He put everyone before himself. He was a total fireman." And he was fun, a good companion, famous for dropping water balloons from the fire station roof. Martin had planned on a military career, but he sustained injuries that changed his life's direction. He took to firefighting, however, as if it had always been his first choice. Like many in the field, he began as a volunteer before becoming a professional. He served with Highland Lakes, Highlands County and Sun 'N Lake South fire departments, and with each one he grew a family of close friends. Martin's family was overwhelmed by the number of people who came to say goodbye, and moved by the brotherhood shown. "I would like to thank all the firefighters who participated in the funeral," Martin's father, Doug Martin, said in an e-mail to the News-Sun. "I had no idea of what their participation would mean. They certainly look after their own. I love them all. "I would also like to thank the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps honor guard, the minister, and members of the Avon Park Baptist Church, friends, and family who made my son's last day special."  Ryan's Funeral (by: Gay Cook, Ryan's mom - 11/10/2009) To all of the family members, friends, ministers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers who put so much time and effort into making my son's funeral a ceremony full of caring, respect, and honor I can't even begin to express how much the service meant to Ryan's entire family. Your love, prayers, and the support you have given us were the physical manifestation of God, reaching out to comfort us during this difficult time. Thank you, and God bless you all! Ryan Martin (by: Linda H. - 11/9/2009) I did not know this young man, but after reading the story in the News Sun, I felt my own heart breaking. It is so very sad that such a young, wonderful, man has left us. I know that it is not much comfort to those who knew him personally and his family but, just know that God needed him and whatever he was supposed to accomplish in this life was accomplished. He is an angel in heaven now. He will watch over all of you and live forever in your hearts. May you have comfort and peace and may the grief you feel now ease with the passing of time. Blessings to all of his family and friends and co-firefighters. My"Brother" (by: FF 8602 BK - 11/7/2009) Ryan, I miss you brother, we know you were there with us in the church the otherday, and I feel you touching me daily. I learned a lot from you as a person, a firefigher and it has not stoped. As memory you are still teaching me.Listening to the words of your friends and family the other day I have some more to learn. Don't worry your lessons will not go unheard. I hope one day I will be half the man you are. To Earl, Mike and all of the team at Highlands Lakes you did an outstand job for Ryan, his family, the community and the fire service. This service will live in my heart for ever. To the Minster, your message was one of peace for a morning heart. God has truely blessed you, Thank you for sharing his word with us. To Ryans mom, I have never met you but all I can say is God Bless you. I hope one day I can be half the parent you are. You have shown strenth that is above all. Your letter to Ryan brought some tought tears to my eyes as a father myself I can never imagin having to write that but your words were so strong. As a son, I can appreciate those words about that burning trailer, I brought the same ones to my Mom, infact ryan gave , me the copys of us in that trailer that night. To the community, the AFJROTC unit, the Red Knights, and the people driving down 27 that stoped, your support was amazing. God bless all as I feel blessed to be here tonight. Ryan, please keep your eye on us, you may be TEN SEVEN bother, but blow that Air Horn in our life it things are going south for us!!!! You will be in my heart for ever!!! Website Address (by: Robin Davis - 11/6/2009) Forgot to put the website address. It is ryanchristophermartin.com Thank you! Memorial Website (by: Robin Davis - 11/6/2009) Family and friends have created a website to honor Ryan. Please stop by and leave a message to him and/or his family. If you have a good Ryan story, go to "Our Stories of Ryan" on the website (menu on the right). There is an email address to send stories. Also, on the "Slide Show" page, there is an email address to send pictures too. One of Ryan's cousins is making a slide show that will be on the website soon. Thank you! Ryan's Last Call (by: Co-worker - 11/6/2009) It was an emotional day, though uplifting in a way. It was amazing to see all the Class A's in the church, men and women there to pay their last respects to a young and vivacious firefighter. Those of us who worked with Ryan knew he deserved nothing less. Prayers to the Martin family and friends you raised a great man. RIP Ryan your memory will live on in our hearts.  Small Banner Ads |
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