"Our Hero, Our Friend"

The Peter Martin (Sidewinder Pete) Memorial Shoot

By Tony Giammarino

Our readership area was especially hard hit by the September 11 attack on our country. For many weeks after the tragedy, one could not travel throughout Long Island without happening across a 911 related funeral service attended by hundreds of grieving uniformed firemen, police officers, relatives, friends and other caring Americans. No one seemed to escape the terrible loss of the thousands of innocent precious lives taken that unforgettable September morning. All were left with a helpless feeling, yet striving for ways to help or comfort those directly impacted in any and every way they could.

The local sporting community was also directly affected by 911. The close family of cowboy shooters on Long Island lost a very much loved and respected member of their community, Peter Martin. Peter was also affectionately known by his Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) name of Sidewinder Pete. By profession, a Lieutenant (one of New York's Bravest) in one of the New York City Fire Department's special divisions called Rescue 2. His abilities, dedication and courage were well known to his fellow fire fighters. The crew of Rescue 2 were among the first to respond to the WTC on the morning of 911. In placing others before himself, Lieutenant Martin made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to save people trapped in the WTC's burning towers.

During Peter's life, one of his recreational pastimes was cowboy shooting. With a love of the Old West, Peter had become an active participant in the many fun cowboy-shooting competitions held on Long Island by the East End Regulators, Hole in the Wall Gang and Shadow Riders. Peter was a member of the Single Action Shooting Society and a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. He was known for

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Immediately Above: Jim Passarella, aka Sheriff AB Dupree, Mayor of the East End Regulators, is shown tearfully giving the opening speech at the "Pete Martin Memorial Cowboy Shoot." Pete was a long-time active participant in the sport of cowboy shooting and one of New York's Bravest. As a Lieutenant in a special division of the New York City Fire Department's divisions called Rescue 2, Pete was one of the first to respond to the WTC on 911. Peter, known for dedication to his job and concern for others, made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to save the lives of those trapped in the WTC's burning towers. The event was sponsored by the East End Regulators, Hole in the Wall Gang and Shadow Riders. The Pine Barrens Range facility was donated by the Long Island Practical Shooting Association for this special event.

Shown at top of page: Copy of a poster displayed by Pete's friends at the memorial shoot held in his honor. The idea for this collage of pleasant memories, as well as the Sidewinder Pete memorial buttons that were given to all participants to wear, was that of Lady Lassiter, Territorial Governor of The Shadow Riders. The center photographs of the collage depict Pete in his uniform as a fire fighter (l.) and (r.) dressed to participate in one of his favorite pastimes, cowboy shooting. The poster also included a collections of surrounding images showing Sidewinder Pete while enjoying the sport.

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