Memorial Plaque for Fire Lieut.

The Fire Department Jan. 2 marked the first anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Lieut. John Martinson during a plaque ceremony at the Engine Company 249/Ladder Company 113 firehouse in Brooklyn, where he was based.

The former Police Officer and 14-year firefighter was killed Jan. 3, 2008 while responding with more than 100 firefighters to a wind-driven blaze in a 25-story residential building on Bedford Ave. Lieutenant Martinson led his team into the building, and reportedly died from smoke inhalation and burns later that night. Several firefighters were injured.

Known as "Johnny Nice Guy" in the firehouse, he was known as an aggressive firefighter who was both eager to train and improve the Firefighters working under his command at Engine Co. 249.

"While the holidays are a time for celebration, today is a difficult occasion," Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said during the ceremony, joined by Mayor Bloomberg. "But it is still a celebration— a celebration of the life of a true hero, Lieutenant John H. Martinson, who we lost a year ago. His was a life dedicated to helping and protecting others." A.P.