PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for its inclusion in an annual holiday cookie drive honoring the memory of Mark Matesic, a 16-year-old junior firefighter who died by suicide in 2022.
The event, organized by Mark’s mother, Jennifer Martinez, through the Mark Matesic Memorial Foundation, aims to both honor first responders and raise awareness about mental health struggles faced by those in public service. This year, the drive reached 100 EMS, police, and fire stations throughout the region.
Jennifer started the foundation after Mark’s death to address mental health issues in first responders, a cause close to her son’s heart. During his childhood, Mark, a student at Plum High School and a junior firefighter with Unity and Pitcairn fire departments, asked his mother to bake cookies for first responders as a holiday gesture of thanks.
“Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus and our staff would like to thank Jennifer Martinez and the Mark Matesic Memorial Foundation for including our office,” the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office shared in a Facebook post, noting the impact of Jennifer’s efforts to both honor her son’s legacy and support the community.
The foundation’s work highlights the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, especially during the holidays, when many may be quietly suffering.
Mark’s legacy continues to inspire efforts to assist first responders in need and encourage open conversations about mental health.