Fire department plans final send-off for dying firefighter

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — An Atlanta firefighter is dying of cancer, and the department is coming together to grant his final wish.

Frank Martinez, 45, has stage four colon cancer and said his wish is to die at home, surrounded by his family.

A convoy of firetrucks escorted Martinez from a cancer-treatment center in Newnan to his home in Forsyth County on Wednesday afternoon.

Metro area firefighters lined bridges on the route to salute their fellow firefighter.

“(He’s) a great guy and this is our way to honor him and also honor his family,” said Mike Brooks, a friend of Martinez. “We’re going to miss him, but we’re here to celebrate his life and to give him the send-off he deserves.

Martinez has been battling cancer for two years.

He is married and has two sons.

Cox Media Group