memorial

May 19, 2007

Palm Bay Fire-Rescue continues to mourn the loss of one of its finest members, a 21-year veteran and cherished friend. Captain Mike Marcinik (more photos) passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 19, 2007, during a family trip to Sanibel Island. Palm Bay Fire-Rescue personnel went to Sanibel Island and escorted Captain Marcinik’s family home.

Captain Marcinik began his career with the Palm Bay Fire Department in January 1985 as a firefighter. In just over one
year, he was promoted to driver engineer. In 1987, Marcinik became certified to serve as a paramedic, was promoted to lieutenant in September 1990 and to captain in 2005 where he was responsible for career development and safety. Captain Marcinik has numerous letters of appreciation in his file for his outstanding job performance and leadership capabilities. In May 2007, Captain Marcinik received the Fire Chief’s Award for his contribution to the Electronic Fire and EMS Incident Reporting Software implementation. “This is a tremendous loss for all of us,” said Fire Chief Larry Hellmann. “Mike was dearly loved by all of his colleagues and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Captain Marcinik will receive the full honors of a fire department funeral.

IAFF Remembers 122 at Fallen Fire Fighter Observance  (taken from the IAFF Website)

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, General Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Bollon, fire fighters and family and friends gathered at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, September 16, 2006 to pay tribute to 122 fallen brothers and sisters. The 20th Annual IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial honored IAFF members who died in the line of duty between June 2005 and June 2006, as well as fire fighters who died earlier but whose deaths were reported during this time period – including those under the new Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) rules.

“For the IAFF, this memorial is truly sacred, a hallowed place where the spirits of our members mingle with the great spirit of these high plains,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, speaking during the ceremony. “Our tribute stands on this majestic ground as testimony to the courage and sacrifice of so many.

“It remains, year after year, the source of strength, judgment and reflection for the 275,000 who call this union their home,” continued General President Schaitberger.

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