Remarks by FDNY Captain Steven Berube

Remarks by FDNY Captain Steven Berube of Ladder 111 at the funeral of fellow firefighter Martin Simmons yesterday at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Nesconset.


I first met Marty in 1993 when he walked into the doors of Engine 222 and Battalion 37. I was a fireman in 222 and Marty was a fairly new firefighter with 2 years on, transferring in from E44 in Manhattan where he was assigned from Proby school. Before that, Marty had transferred into the fire department from the Police Department. I'm sure Marty's switch was a blow to his brothers Doug and Steve who where both Police Officers. It broke up their band of three policemen, but Marty had set out on his own path. I would eventually transfer out of E222 and, as fate would have it, meet up with Marty again in L-111 upon my assignment as Captain there. It was great to see Marty again and we relived old times and stories of old friends...

Today I wanted to talk to a few groups of people.

First, I want to talk to Marty's mom and dad, his brothers Doug and Steve, his extended family, friends and the people whose lives he has touched outside of the fire department. Thank you for allowing us to share with you in this celebration of Marty's life. In the firehouse we often face difficult times together and we build strong bonds that last a lifetime. We're a family unto ourselves and we call each other "brother". We have a really tight knit family within the Nut House. We are here with our extended family of all of the other brothers who knew, loved, and respected Marty in support of all of you, and we're here in the deepest respect for Marty.

To the firefighters who are here, thank you for attending today and extending your support to Marty's family. I hope your presence here serves as a symbol to everyone attending of the lives Marty touched professionally, of your respect, love and admiration for him and how much Marty mattered to us all.

And now on to my most important group; Marty's wife Judi and Marty's boys Joseph, Kevin and Ryan.

Judi, I know this is an impossibly difficult time for you and we share in your pain. You've been a member of our Nut House family for many years and that bond will never break. We love you all because you are our own. We will always be there for you and the boys.

Joseph, Kevin and Ryan. I want to talk to you guys about your Dad. He loved you guys so much. I think he would want me to talk to you and pass on a few stories. I want to tell you things about him that I saw, things that you can remember about him and things that you can learn from his life.

To you he was "Dad", a larger than life, big, strong firefighter. And you know what, to me he was the same thing. First and most importantly, he was your dad. He always told us stories about you guys, how your teams were doing, what went on in family vacations, just what his three precious sons were up to in general.

Next, he was a great firefighter who knew his job to the fullest. He was brave and could always be counted on to do whatever had to be done, no matter how tough things got. Nothing was tougher than your dad.

Dad had a big smile, a bigger heart, and a quick wit. He was fun to be with and he had a lot of friends. You got to see how many people came to see him over the last two days. Every one of those people knew your father in some way and every one of them was there because they wanted to show you how much he mattered and how great your dad was.

Your dad never did anything half-way and that's one thing you can learn from him. He set a goal, figured a plan to get it done, and worked his hardest to make his dreams come true. When I met Dad he had just come into Battalion 37. Dad wanted to work in L-111 but it's never easy getting assigned to the Nut House. He was young and didn't have enough credits to get in, so he transferred to the battalion where they needed someone at the time. He stayed there and worked hard. He was the best that he could be at his job. After a few years everyone got to know him as a hard-working guy and it was clear to everyone that he would be a success no matter where he went. After that, it was easy for him to get into the truck.

So, just like your Dad, set a goal, plan for it, work for it, pay your dues and you can achieve anything you want to in life.

Dad always worked out and he was a natural athlete. But did you see those pictures of Dad when he was bodybuilding? He looked like Hercules. When Dad did something, he went all the way... .

Once Dad achieved his goal, he never rested there. He worked his hardest to be the best he could be and that's another thing you can learn from your dad. At the firehouse Dad would always keep reading our books. He would learn everything he could about being a good firefighter. He would then get up, put the books aside, and practice what he just learned. That way he was ready for whatever might happen. He did the same thing as your coach. I often found him reading coaching books at housewatch, learning new tips that he could pass on to you and your teammates. So, just like your Dad, study hard, learn everything you can, and in that way you will be the best that you can be.

Dad always did more than what was just expected. He ran our picnic, and our kids Christmas party, and he emceed our 9/11 Memorial breakfast. He never had to be asked to help, he always offered it freely. He looked to see what needed to be done and then he did it. That's a great way to be.

Give back and help other people. Your dad was great at that. He was a teacher. At the firehouse he would constantly work with the younger firefighters, teaching them all of the things he had learned over the years. He was good with them. They were never afraid to ask him for help or advice. He was a great coach. Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, no matter what the sport, no matter what you boys were doing, Dad was always by your side. He wanted to be with you and to share his time and knowledge with your teammates.

Just like your Dad did, respect other people and be compassionate, in other words think about their feelings. You guys were very young when it happened but back on September 11th our firehouse had five firemen who died. Their families are here with us today. And just like now, back then we wanted to have some firemen stay with their families to help them. You know, just like Rick and Richie are with you guys now. Your Dad knew how important that was, how much good he could do to help those families, and he was quick to volunteer for the position. What your dad did for those families and their kids, we are going to do for you. Dad had a big heart and he cared about other people. That's a great thing you can learn from your dad.

Boys, throughout the rest of your life you are going to hear a little voice in your ear. And I'll tell you where it's coming from. It's your Dad, and he'll be standing right here, right behind you. So when something comes up, talk to him, ask him what he thinks, what he would do. And if you listen to your dad, and live life the way he lived, you'll never go wrong, you'll have great success, and most importantly you'll be a great person -- just like your dad.

Thank you.