Martin L. Quinn was born on 23rd of July 1884 and was a lifelong resident of Martinsburg W.Va. Martin married Lena (Shriver) Quinn and they had two sons named Martin R. Quinn and Robert J. Quinn.
In 1904 Martin L. Quinn joined the volunteer fire fighting forces of Martinsburg. Martin continued as a volunteer firefighter and on January 17, 1906, he was appointed a Paid firefighter for the City of Martinsburg Fire Department. On July 1, 1913 he was appointed Fire Chief and held that position until his death on March 25, 1934. He died at the age of 49 due to a heart attack. During his years as chief, he helped form the West Virginia Fire Chiefs Association in 1931 and was the first President of the organization. Prior to that appointment in 1925 he was named President of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association, a position he held for one term. Chief Quinn saw the Fire Department grow from hand-drawn reels to motor driven apparatus.
Chief Quinn’s family history was tragic even prior to his own death when both sons died from accidents. Son Robert J. was struck and killed by a train near Martinsburg at the age of 33 and son Martin R. was killed when he came in contact with an extractor at the Interwoven Mills, Inc. at the age of 15. Chief Quinn’s wife, Lena, lived on West Race Street in Martinsburg until her death in November of 1957.
Chief Quinn was a respected leader and his legacy will remain for many years to come.
