pspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp On Monday Evening October 18supthsup Wyckoff Protection Fire Company 1 dedicated a new patio in memory of departed Firefighter Martin Azarian. spanpdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp Martin Azarian always dreamed of being a volunteer fireman like his father.nbspAs soon as he was old enough he joined Protection Fire Company No. 1 of the Wyckoff Fire Department on May 19 1987.nbspHe began attending classes at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy where he was at the top of his class with his knowledge of firematics.nbspHowever due to his physical limitations Marty was unable to pass the rigorous physical tests needed to complete the State-mandated requirements for the Firefighter I course.nbspThis was very upsetting for Marty but he took on another roll at Company No. 1.nbspHe became an associate member and was always ready to assist the department wherever he was needed. spandivdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp Marty marched in the parades with the Wyckoff Fire Department and was always present at any fire department activity.nbspHe bought a Dalmatian dog who he named Mack after Wyckoffrsquos Mack fire engine. Mack was a frequent visitor at Company No. 1 and soon became the unofficial mascot.spandivdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp Marty was well known by other fire departments in the county.nbspHe loved visiting other fire departments when they put their newly purchased fire engines into service.nbspHe was a collector of fire department memorabilia especially FDNY and often would buy things for others that he knew they would like.nbspHe was a very generous and caring person.nbspHe was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and also enjoyed collecting their memorabilia. nbspnbspspandivdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp On June 21 2003 Marty married Gigi Haas and Gigi became a member of the Wyckoff Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Unfortunately not long after they were married Marty became ill and when it came to the point where he was no longer able to drive Gigi would bring him to the firehouse on Monday nights so that he could be with his fellow firefighters for meetings or drill nights.spandivdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp Unfortunately Marty passed away on April 18 2009 after a long illness.nbspMarty would have been very pleased to see the turnout of firemen and fire engines in his funeral procession as the fire department was his whole life and he will always be remembered by the members of the Wyckoff Fire Department as one of their most devoted members. spandivdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp In honor of Martyrsquos love for the fire service and the Wyckoff Fire Department the Azarian Family decided to make a donation in remembrance of Marty.nbspnbsp After numerous discussions with the family and the representatives of Protection Fire Company 1 it was decided that a memorial patio would be erected behind the firehouse so that the memory of Marty could live on for many years to come.nbspnbsp All funds utilized for the construction of this patio came from the generosity of the Azarian Family as well as several other local organizations that joined the cause. We would like to thank these businesses and individuals for their support The Azarian Family Ramsey Building Supply Cedar Hill Landscaping North Bergen Recycling Denekamp amp Sons Christie Construction Kuiken Brothers Garden State Lumber Jan Fence Wayne Tile Yudinrsquos Appliance Abmarsquos Farm Electrical Safety Solutions Prestige Lock The Township of Wyckoff and the members of Protection Fire Company 1 that worked so diligently to ensure that this patio will serve as a fitting tribute to their brother Marty.spandivdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10ptFor information regarding Marty and this dedication service please view the families website at a hrefhttpwww.azariangroup.comscholarship.htmlfont color800080httpwww.azariangroup.comscholarship.htmlfonta.spandivdiv styletext-align justify margin 0in 0in 10ptspan styleline-height 115 font-size 10pta hrefhttpwww.northjersey.comcommunity106770493Wyckofffirefighterspaytributetohonorarymember.htmlhttpwww.northjersey.comcommunity106770493Wyckofffirefighterspaytributetohonorarymember.htmlaspandiv
