World's oldest firefighter, 111, dies in Lehigh Acres

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District is mourning the loss of one of its most remarkable members.

Retired Assistant Chief Edwin Martin passed away Friday, July 25, in Lehigh Acres at the age of 111 years and 159 days, according to the department.

Martin held the distinction of being the world's oldest living firefighter and was widely recognized as the oldest known living man in the United States.

His firefighting career began in 1940 with the Baltimore County Fire Department, where he served for 24 years before retiring and moving to Lehigh Acres in 1964.

He came out of retirement in 1967 to join the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District as a volunteer, eventually rising through nearly every leadership position in the organization.

Martin served as Interim Chief in 1970, Assistant Chief from 1971 to 1976 and later as Superintendent of Maintenance, where his deep knowledge of the department's equipment and facilities earned him widespread respect.

The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District is inviting family, friends, current and retired members and the community to honor Martin's life and legacy.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 FL-82, Fort Myers, Fla. 33913, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow immediately after.