Marker honors longtime Marion firefighter

To say the members of Marion’s Fire Station Two are like family is an understatement.

Through the years, the late Deputy Chief Nathan Nye worked alongside his four sons at one time or another and his brother Tommy, who is still at the station.

Nye passed away in January at 81. On Saturday morning, he was remembered at a brief ceremony where a stone marker was unveiled before friends, family and firefighters.

“He was a father to a lot of us and he dedicated his life to the department,” said firefighter Ronnie Auld.

Nye served at the Point Road station for 58 years. Located across the street from his home in a section of Marion known as “Nye Town,” he was there when the station was originally built.

“He was an outstanding role model and mentor,” Brian Avila said. “He probably stopped here the day before he died. This was his station.”

Avila led the collaborative effort to get the memorial erected, and the Marion Firefighters Association and the Nye family helped.

About 40 people were present for the ceremony. Nye’s wife Rosalind sat in front of the crowd while his brother and sons Nathan Jr., Douglas, Steven and Christopher stood nearby.

Fire Chief Tom Joyce spoke about Nye’s dedication to the department.

“He was known as a real firefighter and that means something,” Joyce said. “He is a testament to what one person can achieve when they make a commitment.” Joyce also recalled the last fire call Nye made aboard his “beloved engine number three.”

Joyce said that in addition to the fire department Nye served the town at large. He was the former director of the Marion Department of Public Works for 16 years and drove a school bus, among other civic roles.

“He was one of the last original townies,” Nye's son, Nathan, said. “When you live here your whole life and dedicate that life to the town, you’re a townie. He will be missed, but not forgotten.”

Retired Marion police officer George Pina remembered Nye as someone you could count on, even when he might be underdressed for the job.

Years ago, the ambulance department was supervised by police. Before cell phones, officers relied on landlines to call firefighters and EMTs for back up. During one emergency Pina said he couldn't find someone to respond – until he saw Nye drive by in his car.

“I radioed him and told him we had a call. He told me, ‘I just came from the beach. I’ve only got on my bathing suit!’” Pina said. “I told him no one else was answering their phone. He went to the call. I don't know how things turned out, but he was that kind of guy, always there when needed.”

In addition to the monument, a scholarship has been established in Nye's name. The Marion Firefighters Association is accepting donations. Mail donations to: Marion Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 114, Marion, MA 02738. Write “Nate Nye” on the check.