Happy retirement Marty
By: Captain Vigiano

	As many of you know, Marty McTigue has retired from the job.  I'm not sure of the official date, 
but I do know his friends and family threw him a great party.  Gathered at the Baldwin FireHouse on January 29, 1999 
with his lovely family, were a cross section of Marty's many friends and co-workers.
 
	Many friends from his early days at Engine 227 stood along side those of us who had the pleasure 
of working with him throughout his career.  Members of Rescue 2, 3 and 4 as where Marty worked 
as a firefighter, lieutenant and captain.  There were many members from the job who either knew him
 or knew of him.  It did not matter; they were there to pay him the honor he deserved.

	Marty was a rare individual.  Not only was he quiet and unassuming, 
(which is rare for someone who spent as much time as he did in the Rescue Companies)
 but he was one hell of a firefighter.

	The love of his family was quite evident, as was the respect of his peers at this gathering. 
 Chief Pete Ganci (Acting chief of Department) and Chief Frank Cruthers 
(City Wide Tour Commander) along with Chief Banbury (Deputy from the 14 Division.
 All worked with Marty at one time or another.

	Also present was Ed Higgins, Marty's captain at Engine 227.  Ed looked great for a gent who 
has been retired many years.  Actually he looked like he could still take the line down the 
hall. Ray Downey was there also.  He was Marty's captain when Marty was a firefighter in Rescue 2. 
 Ray is now the OIC of Special Operations Command. 

	It would be very difficult to list all the people that were there, and I hope those that are not mentioned 
here will not be slighted.  The party was for a great guy who fought back from incredible odds to
 become a chief in the job.  There are very few men that can do what Marty did and still be 
able to smile and offer the warmth and love this man gives each day.

We all wish Marty a long  safe and happy retirement.  Very few are more deserving.

God Speed My Friend.