March 23, 2002:

Today Big Tree firefighters bid farewell to Veteran firefighter John A. Makin. John died suddenly on Monday from an apparent heart attack. Morning services were held in Our Mother of Good Council Church in Blasdell. Erie County Chaplain Joseph Bayne presided over the services. Hundreds of firefighters from throughout Erie County joined the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company is bidding farewell to John. A lengthy procession of fire apparatus guided John to his final resting place. John's body was carried on top of Big Tree Engine 3 as firefighters stood guard.

With his extensive participation in fire-service organizations, practically everyone in the fire-service knew John. As the incoming President of the Southwestern Volunteer Fireman's Association, John served the organization as the immediate Past Vice-president. Additionally, John was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Fireman's Association of the State of New York, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Erie County Volunteer Fireman's Association. John also was a past President of the Erie County Fire Chief's Mutual Aid Organization and was a charter member of the Town of Hamburg Fire Chief's Association.

As a longtime member of the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company, John began his career in 1963 and served as an active member until the time of his death. He was a Past Chief and Past President of the Big Tree Fire Company and progressed through the line offices of Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief. John most recently was serving as Service Award Director and as the Treasurer of the Big Tree Exempts Association. Recently, John retired from the Town of Hamburg where he served the community as a Public Safety Dispatcher.

Near and dear to John's heart was the Firefighter Explorer's Program that he mentored at Big Tree. John was a member of the Exploring Leaders Association of the Greater Niagara Frontier Youth Council and currently worked on EFAT training and recording data. As the leader of Big Tree's Explorer Post #890, John propelled the program to one of the finest youth organizations in the region.

A Veteran of the Vietnam War, John was also a member of the Hamburg American Legion Post #527.

John is survived by his wife Linda, his sister Suzanne Salzer, and his sons Tommy, John, Robert & wife Lisa Hadley and Lawrence & wife Ann Hadley. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family during this trying time.
 
Erie County Chaplain Joseph Bayne presides over the funeral mass.
Big Tree firefighter John Makin Jr. salutes his father's body that sits atop Big Tree Engine 3.
 
The engine carrying John Makin's body proceeds under an American flag strung between two aerial trucks.
As firefighters salute, John's body is carried into the church for services.
 
A procession of fire apparatus guided John to his final resting place.
Firefighters place the casket holding John's body atop Big Tree Engine 3.
 
   
As John Makin's body passes the Big Tree Firehall for the last time, the siren is sounded. An empty set of turnout gear symbolizes John's absence.