New York City Fire Department • Line of Duty Death: June 9, 2023
On June 9, 2023, EMT and FDNY Firefighter Mark Anthony Batista tragically passed away while rescuing his daughter from the currents of the New Jersey Shore.
Batista was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised in the Dominican Republic during his early childhood and New York during his late childhood. Batista spent most of his youth with his grandparents who loved him dearly, and whom he cherished in return. Inspired by his grandfather, who he described as his idol, Batista loved spending his free time helping others, especially the elderly. Later, on a summer day in 2010, Batista and his wife, Lenin, met and fell in love. They had three beautiful children together.
Motivated by the hard and honorable work of two EMTs who were assisting his grandfather during a trip to the ER, Batista knew what he was destined to do. In 2008, he graduated as an EMT and later as a firefighter in 2013. Batista adored his job and took pride in his service to his community and the work with his brothers and sisters at E-226. His most important goal as a firefighter was to give everything his all and save others no matter what, even at the expense of his own life. Even after being involved in a devastating motorcycle accident and doctors telling him he could not return to his work as a first responder, Batista proved them wrong and returned to doing what he loved after one year of therapy and tiresome effort. Batista served his community for 15 honorable years before a tragic summer day where he gave his life saving his own daughter.
Currently, Batista’s family lives in New Jersey. They are very involved in church and are devoted to honoring their loved one’s name by helping others through a foundation called Kingdom Closer. His wife, Lenin, states that Batista was a fighter since before he was born; he was an amazing father, a matchless husband, a man of integrity, kind, charming, caring, and most importantly, he loved God. Batista’s family is very thankful and grateful for the kindness and support of Tunnel to Towers.
EMT and FDNY Firefighter Mark Anthony Batista is survived by his wife, Lenin, his children, Leann, Jhonner, and Derek, and his grandmother.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Batista family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.