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Story and photos by Ron Jeffers
On May 9th, 2014, Jersey City (NJ) Fire Captain Ken Simone received a phone call at home that no firefighter wants to receive, but which all know is part of the job. Captain Mark Lee, Sr. of Engine Co. 10 had passed away. Simone is no stranger to such a call. Some 20 years ago he received a call that his father, Lewis, a captain with Engine Co. 9, had died in the line of duty. Ken and his brother Howie , are currently captains with the Fire Department of Jersey City (FDJC). Ken is captain of Ladder 12, which shares its Halladay Street quarters with 10 Engine.
Captain Lee, Sr. died from health problems believed to have been stemmed from working at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Captain Lee served as a firefighter at the Halladay Street firehouse before his promotion to captain, and was highly respected and loved by his fellow firefighters. Captain Lee maintained a tradition that was started by members of the house before him, of collecting contributions and toys to provide a gift for children in the community that may not otherwise have received a Christmas gift.
There is a plaque at the quarters of Engine 9 in memory of the Simone brothers’ father. Ken Simone wanted to honor his friend with some type of memorial at the Engine 10 and Ladder 12 firehouse–the second oldest firehouse in the city erected in 1870–but a little bit more than a plaque. He used his imagination and went to work. He acquired a ladder that was about to be discarded by a neighbor. He spend hours turning the ladder into the base for a memorial. In the center of the ladder is a tribute with the inscription: “Captain Mark Lee Sr., Engine Co. 10, December 2, 1985-May 9, 2014.” Also in the center is a black helmet possessing an Engine 10 captain’s front-piece. Attached to the ladder are two axes, for Engine 10 and Ladder 12, plus photos of the captain.
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In May, the Halladay Street companies held a ceremony for Captain Lee, Sr. Mark Lee, Jr., is on the job and works in the firehouse with Captain Simone, who kept the ladder-memorial under wraps from the son until the ceremony began.
After a group of on-duty, off-duty and retired firefighters arrived at the firehouse, along with Captain Lee’s wife, Cheryl, acting Chief of Department Richard Lapinski and tour commander, Deputy Chief Mike Terpak, Captain Simone addressed the group with an emotional speech that held everyone’s attention.
“Nine years ago when I came to Truck 12, Captain Lee Sr. was always there for me,” Simone said. “To me, Captain Lee was the foundation of Engine 10 and Truck 12, and he was a mentor to me.”
As a new captain, Simone relayed the three pieces of advice Captain Lee offered him. 1. Respect yourself and respect the men under you. 2. Do your job and do it to the best of your ability. 3. Lead by example.
Captain Lee loved his family and the F.D.J.C. He was proud of his son, Mark, Jr., who was appointed to the Fire Department. Captain Lee asked Simone if it would be okay for his son to come to 12 Truck, Group “B,” and Simone answered, “That would be my honor.”
Simone described Captain Lee as a man of action more than words. His love for the Fire Department spilled over into the community through his Christmas Toy Drive. Because of his commitments, along with those of fellow firefighters, the toy drive that started out years ago with gifts for 100 children has increased to some 4,000 children.
“It’s because of him, that we’ll take time out of our busy lives and wrap gifts for children who don’t have anything,” Simone said.
Captain Lee’s wife has taken charge of the toy drive and she is the new force behind making the drive bigger and better every year.
Captain Mark Lee, Sr. was a little giant. His friendship and kindness to others will be remembered by those who worked with him, and his memory will continue with Captain Simone’s personal memorial, that was made from the heart.
