For longtime Yonkers resident and recently retired FDNY Battalion Chief Martin “Marty” Currid, learning has never been confined to a classroom. It has unfolded on firegrounds, in leadership courses, and most profoundly, through personal loss. Now that Currid has closed the book on a 24-year career as a firefighter, he eagerly looks ahead towards the next chapter, ready.
Rising Star Burning Bright
Though he joined the FDNY in 2002 without a long-term plan, he soon discovered a calling. He saw many internal opportunities to be taken advantage of and he went for them. “I jumped in headfirst,” he said.
That mindset shaped a remarkable rise through the ranks. Promoted to Lieutenant at 28, Captain at 32, and Battalion Chief by 39, Marty earned a reputation for what he calls “aggressive humility.” A believer that “once you think you’ve got it, it gets you,” he became a sponge for information. He quickly realized that leaders can (and should) learn from everyone, including those they supervise.
His pursuit of knowledge led him to advanced certifications from LIU, the Fire Officer Management Institute, and the West Point Counter Terrorism Program, as well as close collaboration with the FDNY Counterterrorism Unit.
Lose to Gain
Despite all of this, Marty’s most transformative period to date began in May of 2024, when his wife of 12 years Danielle passed away from cancer at the age of 45.
A Westchester native, Danielle received an extensive education locally: from St. Augustine’s in Ossining to Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel in White Plains, then Fordham University, and finally Pace University.
Danielle built an impressive career rising from entry-level roles at MTV to Vice President of Digital Media at the NFL. Like her husband, she was passionate and known for her willingness to take on new challenges.
Buoyed by the generosity of the community, Marty turned his grief into purpose. Motivated to give back, and with the encouragement of Danielle’s sisters, he founded The Danielle Currid Foundation, a Westchester-based nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships for female students seeking to attend a Catholic high school.
In 2025 they held a gala with the hopes of raising enough money to award one student $25,000. Shocked at the outpouring of friends and neighbors alike, not only were they able to gift funds to Delia Spero, but to the other six applicants as well, giving away a total of $55,000.
Delia applied her scholarship towards her education at School of the Holy Child in Rye, something she doesn’t take for granted. “It was my great honor to receive the first Danielle Currid Foundation scholarship. Thank you… for your confidence in me and my potential. I am committed to honoring Mrs. Currid’s memory… by continuing to strive towards excellence in my academics, growth in my faith, and dedication to service in my community and beyond.”
Now entering its second year, Marty hopes to award $100,000 in scholarships to create greater impact. The Foundation’s Casino Night Fundraiser will take place Saturday, April 11, at Mulino’s at Lake Isle in Eastchester, inviting the community to take part in sustaining Danielle’s legacy.
Local businesses are encouraged to participate by sponsoring casino gaming tables for $500. Please email thedaniellecurridfoundation@gmail.com to register your interest.
From respected Battalion Chief to single dad of two to foundation founder, Marty’s journey underscores a simple truth: learning never stops. He continues to ask questions, seek accountability, and grow, proving that being a student of life is the most enduring form of leadership.
