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."
Friday, November 06, 2009 - www.newssun.com/1106-ct-Ryan-Martin