Firefighters gathered at the quarters of Engine 249 and Ladder 113 to honor Lt. John H. Martinson, with a plaque dedication on Jan. 3.

Lt. Martinson sustained fatal injuries while fighting a two-alarm fire at the Ebbets Field Houses, 1700 Bedford Ave., in Brooklyn on Jan. 3, 2008.

“[Lt. Martinson] was the kind of person you wanted by your side when the chips were down,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “He never gave a second thought of putting himself in harms way to protect the rest of us.”

The 14-year veteran of the FDNY earned the firehouse nickname “Johnny Nice Guy” and was described as the quintessential firefighter - someone who was always arrived early and was the first ready for action.

“You could watch John during an emergency or drill and see the experience, talent and confidence that he possessed,” said Firefighter Timothy Rail of Engine 249. “He was a great fire officer because he had the rare ability to make all the firefighters who worked with him better.”

After working for nearly four years as a police officer for the NYPD, Lt. Martinson joined the FDNY in 1993 at Engine 204. He also worked at Engine 80 and Ladder 23 before being promoted to lieutenant in 2002. He joined Engine 249/Ladder 113 in March 2006.

His father, Firefighter John O. Martinson, enjoyed a 31-year career with the FDNY.

“This is a celebration of the life of John H. Martinson, a man who knew he was making the world a better place,” said Fire Commssioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “I know what we say here will not lessen your pain, but today we can recall and remember all that John gave to his family, this city and this Department.”

Many described the 40-year-old Lieutenant’s love for his family. Attending the ceremony were his wife, Jessica; son, John Patrick, 2; daughter, Catherine Grace, 7-months; mother, Iris; brother, Steve; and sister, Lori.

Jessica Martinson told stories of how she met her husband, how she loved watching him play with his son and his compassion for his friends.

“If John was in your life and you needed him, there was nothing he wouldn’t have done for you,” she said. “You changed me and my life all for the better from the moment I met you. I love you and you will always remain in my heart.”

Lt. Martinson was re-building a home - a house his grandfather built - for his family when he died. His brother, Steve, as well as his many firefighter colleagues finished the home in his honor.

“Today we want to remind John Martinson’s family that we’re here if you need us,” said Salvatore Cassano. “Not just today, or tomorrow, or next week, but forever. You will always be a part of the FDNY family.”