"Our Hero, Our Friend"

The Peter Martin (Sidewinder Pete) Memorial Shoot

By Tony Giammarino

his competitive skills and, once again, for helping others that wanted or needed guidance. He often expressed a desire to introduce the sport to his three sons Daniel 13, James 8 and John 6.

Motivated by Jim Passarella, Mayor of the East End Regulators, in an effort to help Peter Martin's wife Alice and family and to show their respect, the East End Regulators, Hole in the Wall Gang and Shadow Riders united in planning an event in his honor. On Sunday, October 28, 2001, with the combined efforts of the three cowboy shooting groups, "The Sidewinder Pete Memorial Shoot" was held at the Pine Barrens Range on Long Island. The response from fellow shooters was impressive. The range facility, along with all logistics and needed materials, were donated by members of the three sponsoring clubs. Over 147 raffle prizes were also donated by gun dealers and manufacturers.

In addition to over 70 actual participants, money was donated by shooters that supported the effort as "postal match" competitors. The Pine Barren Range was donated for the event by the Long Island Practical Shooting Association (LIPSA). Gun clubs from Australia, California, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Upstate New York all sent very generous donations. The Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), aware of Pete's desire to have his three sons eventually become involved in the sport, donated a "life membership" to each of his sons. John Quinn, a fellow fire fighter of Pete Martin at Rescue 2, heard of the event being held in his friend's honor and decided to attend as a representative of Rescue 2 and the Martin family.

All expenses incurred in organizing and conducting the event were covered by members of the local shooting community. In total, over $11,000 was raised and will be presented to Peter Martin's family.

Special Note From Sheriff AB Dupree (aka Jim Passarella): "A trust fund has been set up for Sidewinder Pete's (AKA Peter Martin) three sons. Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund may make checks payable to the Martin Family Trust and mail them to Chase Manhattan Bank, 5499 Nesconset Highway, Mt. Sinai, New York 11766.

Peter Martin's body was recovered on December 7, 2001.

Pete's widow Alice extends her thanks to all for their kindness and support."

Shown Above (l. to r.) Keith Maciejewski, aka Six Gun Kid a member of the East End Regulators, volunteered to act as a contact person for donators to the Pete Martin Raffle. Over 73 gun dealers and manufacturers donated 147 raffle prizes. Jim Passarella, aka Sheriff AB Dupree, Mayor of the East End Regulators. Jim is the originator of the idea to conduct an event in honor of Pete Martin. John Quinn, a fellow fire fighter of Pete Martin at Rescue 2, heard of the event being held in his friend's honor and decided to attend as a representative of Rescue 2 and Pete Martin's family. Jim Albanese, aka James Brook Texas Ranger, Treasurer of the East End Regulators. Sue Parkill, aka Sue Sassi, a member of the Shadow Riders. All helped plan and assisted in the logistics of the event.

Above: Just a few of the 66 shooters that took part in the Peter Martin Memorial Shoot. Although many participants traveled from as far away as Pennsylvania, the group shown above consist mainly of members of the Circle K Regulators cowboy shooting club from Ballston Spa, New York (Located Upstate New York, with members from the Albany, Amsterdam & Saratoga areas). Shown left to right are: Gary Siarkowski (aka Jim West); Howard Titus (aka Black Jack Titus); Debbie Myers (aka Annabelle Bransford); Richard Miller (aka Roy Cassidy); Bill Myers (aka Rowdy Bill); Cathie Miller (aka Violet Cassidy); Beverly Ruddock (aka English Bev). As a Downstate participant, Bev Ruddock actually lives in New York City, only a few blocks from Ground Zero.

Sidewinder Pete

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