When you ask Bart Martin's acquaintances why he deserved his recent recognition as "rookie firefighter of the year," they say it's because of his hard work and dedication to the fire service.

But Martin – a career firefighter in Frederick, Md., and volunteer with New Oxford Fire Co. – humbly says he's just doing his job.

"I was surprised that I had been nominated and actually received an award," Martin said. "I felt like I was being recognized for doing my job."

But he acknowledged it was nice to be recognized, nonetheless.

The 28-year-old, who lives between New Oxford and Abbottstown, received a certificate at an awards ceremony Sunday. The honor was given for his work last year with the Independent Hose Co. station in the City of Frederick (a division of the Frederick County Department of Fire/Rescue) where he has worked since January 2006.

Martin learned he had been nominated only moments before the ceremony.

To be named rookie firefighter of the year, the recipient must be nominated by someone in the department. For Martin, that person was his supervisor, Lt. Brian Barnes.

Barnes said he nominated Martin because of Martin's outstanding performance as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. Martin constantly takes training, helps newer rookies and is hard-working, Barnes said.

"He's always at work extremely early and is ready to go," Barnes said. "He's an outstanding employee, he's a reliable employee, he's a damn good guy."

Barnes said Martin impressed him from the start. He needed no guidance, Barnes said.

Martin was one of the top students in his class, and he completed his probationary book several months early. The book has four chapters and demonstrates a recruit's knowledge of all policies and procedures for government and the fire department, and skills in the academy.

"If we could get all recruits that come out of the academy like him, my life would be a whole lot easier," Barnes said.

'Above and beyond'

When he's not working in Maryland, Martin continues to volunteer in New Oxford. He said he's at the volunteer-run fire station just about every day he's not working.

He's been in the fire service in New Oxford since 1992, when he was only 14. He's remained very active in the organization, where he serves as a fire lieutenant, trustee and chief engineer, meaning he is in charge of all maintenance for fire apparatus.

"He's gone above and beyond," said Steve Rabine, chief of New Oxford Fire Co. "He's the guy you could ask for anything and he will go do it for you, no questions asked."

Rabine, who has known Martin for about 20 years, said Martin worked his way up through the junior ranks and, by age 18, already had advanced training. He started ahead of where people join at that age.

Rabine said New Oxford was a stepping stone to Martin's firefighting career.

"He is (now) getting paid to do it," Rabine said. "It's not just a job. He's putting his hobby, his love for the service into his career, and it's benefited him, no doubt about it."

Martin grew up in the Pittsburgh area and had an interest in firefighting at a young age. Several of his uncles and cousins were in the fire service.

"When I lived out there, every kid's fantasy was to grow up and ride on big firetrucks," he said. "I always wanted to, and, through the years, I've worked to make that dream come true."

When Martin was about 8 years old, his family moved to the local area. When he reached middle school, several of his friends were involved in the fire service, and he decided to give it a try.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

"I just get satisfaction out of helping others in their time of need. When people call for us, we respond and do what we can," Martin said.

That satisfaction drove him to seek out firefighting as a profession.

Martin attended an 18-week fire academy before starting his job and feels the 14 years of firefighting experience he had when he entered the academy helped him.

"If you go in with an open mind and do what they tell you to do, it's easy," he said. "It wasn't hard for me."

Martin said his career goal is to take it as it comes.

"Right now I'm just continuing to learn as much as I can and progress up through the ranks and see where it takes me," he said.

His supervisor predicts great things will happen.

"If he keeps going the way he's been, he's going to go far," Barnes said.

Contact Shari Sanger at ssanger@eveningsun.com.