Retired Baltimore County Fire Department Captain Edwin “Ed” Martin, recognized as the world’s oldest living fire fighter, died July 24 in Lehigh Acres, Florida. He was 111.
Martin joined the Baltimore County Fire Department (BCFD) in 1943 and spent 21 years at Station 9 in Edgemere. Throughout his career, he was a proud member of Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters Local 1311.
In 1964, Martin retired from BCFD and moved to Florida, where he would live for more than 60 years.
Retirement didn’t last long for Martin. In 1967, he continued his career of service by joining the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District as a volunteer. He went on to hold nearly every leadership role in the department, serving as interim chief in 1970 and assistant chief from 1971 to 1976.
Martin’s historic longevity drew national attention in his final years. In June 2026, following the death of 111-year-old Luis Cano of New Jersey, Martin became the oldest known living man in the United States.
In a statement honoring Martin’s life and service, the Baltimore County Fire Department closed its tribute with: “Rest in peace, Captain. Your shift is done, but your legacy will never be forgotten.”
