Tribute to an old friend

As a young man Jay Martinak started his flying career as a warrior flying helicopters in Vietnam.  When we met him he was flying helicopters as an aerial firefighter for the California Department of Forestry.  In a very short time Jay rose to the rank of Air Operations Officer.

Jay was always someone we could talk to that would listen.  He wwas one of a handful of Officers that presided over the toughest transition period in the history of CDF’s air program.  On his watch the pilots and mechanics unionized.  While at the same time we fought for and got the S-2T air tanker.  These events saved the States, fixed wing tanker program.

Jay, Allison, Chris Darran at AAP/RNO 2006

During these challenging days CDF’s Aviation Management Unit of which Jay was a part meet with pilots routinely to help pilots and mechanics turn a one-year at a tine avocation into a career.  Even when the then Deputy Director disapproved of those meetings Jay, Marshall, Dave, Rich and Mike continued a very positive relationship with pilots and mechanics.  Their leadership paved the way for the air program CALFIRE enjoys today.

We were very lucky to have had such a great team of leaders in the Aviation Management Unit during those very tough days.  They cared greatly for the air program and the people in it and Jay never swerved in carrying the message to his superiors in fire control, sometimes at his own peril.

Jay is still a warrior, fighting a long term illness.  I want to take this opportunity to tell him that we love him and are eternally grateful for all his help and council. Great organizations are the result of great leadership.  Jay Martinak is a great leader, a great friend and an inspiration to us all. Thank you Jay, for everything.

Jim Barnes