By Sarina Trangle
Close to 100 people clustered around a Fort Totten playground Sunday as bagpipes hummed and FDNY members tugged a navy cloth off a plaque, paying tribute to Martin “Woody” McHale.
The fallen fire marshal’s wife, Hope McHale, pointed at the sign, smiling as her 5-1/2-year-old twins took in the commemorative touch.
“We live in Bayside so we used to come here when he was living, and he’d come out and play with the boys,” Hope said after the ceremony. “I’m excited for my children to have somewhere to go to remember their dad.”
Fellow Fire Department marshals pushed to have a playground near their Fort Totten base named after McHale, who died from a massive heart attack while driving home from work on Christmas Eve 2012. He was 50.
The city Department of Parks rebuffed this proposal because it has a policy of only naming a green space after those who have made significant contributions to that site or parks in general.
But dozens showed up to dedicate the playground to Woody in spirit, albeit not in name.
The sign unveiled Sunday reads, “This playground is supported by the New York City Fire Department. Dedicated to the memory of Fire Marshal ‘Woody’ McHale.”
FDNY Chief Edward Kilduff said all department employees and EMTs cycle through Fort Totten at least once a year for training, which would expose them to the playground and legacy of the 23-year FDNY veteran who captained the department’s football team.
“I have no doubt Woody McHale, the ultimate male, would be the first one at the face painting and pumpkin painting table today,” Kilduff said. “That’s the greatest example that we can take away — that we treasure our kids; we treasure our family; we get them outdoors.”
Supervising Fire Marshal Michael Durkin, who oversaw McHale for six years, recalled how his face lit up when his family would pull up and play outside the base.
“The boys would come inside, give Woody a hug, some high fives. They would high five all the other members … but ultimately, they would end up across the street at the playground,” Durkin said. “This is a true celebration of Woody’s life and playing here with the boys was a big part of his life.”
Randall Wilson, the FDNY’s commanding officer of citywide north, said Sunday’s ceremony was scheduled to fall on the birthday of McHale’s father. That date also coincides with the annual “It’s My Park Day,” where the city encourages residents to volunteer at their local park.
As attendees eyed the barbecue and pumpkin decorating stations, Wilson said the FDNY planned to plant bulbs in McHale’s honor every October.
“It is our hope that this plaque will serve as a reminder to all for years to come of what a wonderful husband, father and friend Woody McHale was,” Wilson said.
Reach reporter Sarina Trangle at 718-260-4546 or by e-mail at strangle@cnglocal.com.
