Funeral services held for fallen Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez
CHICAGO (CBS) — Memorial services were held Monday morning for fallen Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez.
The procession from the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home started around 9:15 a.m. and headed eastbound down 103rd Street to Western Avenue, then headed northbound on Western to 77th Street, and continued westbound on 77th to Saint Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel.
After the funeral mass, the procession traveled from the chapel to Beverly Cemetery. Ald. Matthew Oshea (19th) sent a notice to neighbors to line the procession route, honor Officer Martinez, and show support for his family and fellow officers.
Martinez, 26, was shot and killed during a traffic stop near 80th and Ingleside on Nov. 4. Police said Darion McMillian, 23, shot and killed Martinez and the driver of the car McMillian was in during a traffic stop in the East Chatham neighborhood on Monday, Nov. 4. McMillian was on electronic monitoring at the time of the shooting because of an arrest involving a drug test.
Neither Gov. JB Pritzker nor Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the funeral service at the request of Martinez's family. Former Mayor Richard M. Daley was spotted in attendance for the service at Saint Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel.
Hundreds of officers gathered to pay respects to Martinez
Officers and firefighters from across the state gathered outside of St. Rita's to pay their respects to fallen officer Martinez as rain started to fall in Chicago.
Chicago Police Chaplain Father Daniel Brandt highlighted some of the conversations with Martinez's friends, family, and coworkers, who described him as "selfless, thoughtful, kind" and "generous."
Martinez was also described as being "full of life," "cheerful," and "had a contagious laugh."
Mercedes Martinez led prayers of the faithful, calling for "police officers, members of the military, and all who work to preserve peace" so that they may be protected.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said he's received an outpour of condolences from around the county as he paid tribute to Officer Martinez, saying "You'll never be forgotten."
He addressed each family member, including his brother, who is also a Chicago police officer, sister, and Martinez's fiancée.
"I had the unfortunate responsibility of informing the family of this tragedy. I felt the pain, but I also felt the love in that room," Snelling said.
Snelling sang his praises for Officer Martinez, and the oath he took to serve and protect.
"I know how important it is to keep our community safe—Officer Martinez understood—to Make sure this doesn't happen again. Now, we all know reality. I would love to believe that this will never happen again, and I can only pray for it."
Fellow officers share memories of Martinez: "The city lost a great hero"
Officer Francisco Nunez said he and Martinez met as classmates in the police academy and mentioned how infectious his laugh was.
"There wasn't a day where this guy wasn't laughing or cracking a joke. Even if the joke wasn't funny, his laugh would make you instantly laugh as well," he said.
One of the memories Nunez expressed was Martinez's love of food.
"He would always use me as his excuse to eat a whole Dominoes large pizza," he said
He continues to describe Martinez as a "hard charger; he was humble, crazy, and goofy."
"I know your name, Enrique Martinez, is written in the book of eternal life. I will see you soon, brother."
Officer Abdullah Saleh also shared with Martinez's family about how much he admired his mother.
"I can see how much of an influence you've had on him and shaping the man he became, honorable, hardworking, and always striving to be the best version of himself.
Officer Adrian Martinez Garcia remembers his brother: "It was our calling"
Martinez's brother and fellow officer, Adrian Martinez Garcia, said their mother would push them to become doctors and lawyers, but they both wanted to be Chicago police officers.
"To serve the disadvantaged and to protect the forgotten. We wanted to live the life of a hero. Becoming police officers was not just a job title to us, but who we were supposed to be," Martinez Garcia said.
Officer Martinez Garcia talked about the bond he had with his brother.
"Enrique will always be my little brother, and I will always look up to him," said Officer Adrian Martinez Garcia. "My brother and I looked to make the most out of every single moment. We dedicated our lives to service, working hard to achieve our goals, embracing all challenges and opportunities for growth, and make our parents proud."
He said on the night Enrique was killed, his brother saved countless lives.
"Every bullet that struck my brother could have taken the life of someone's mother, father, sister, brother, or friend," Officer Martinez Garcia said.
After the funeral service concluded, police officers carried Martinez's casket out of the chapel to begin a procession to Beverly Cemetery.
A show of reverence for Officer Martinez along route to chapel
Before the funeral service began, there was a huge show of support along 103rd Street for Officer Martinez and his family—as the hearse carrying his body from the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn to St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel on Chicago's Southwest Side.
"There's so many people. Queen of Martyrs has all of their kids out here—which is just so amazing to see—and everybody out here on the line, and just to show their support," said neighbor Jackie Meehan. "I mean, you need to show your support to this family."
Students waved American flags of red, white, and blue as flashing lights passed by—in a salute to the fallen officer.
"We come out here. We stay out here. We wave our flags. We like hold our posters and show our support," said eighth grader Maddie Thompson. "It's kind of sad that we have to go to these like multiple times a year. Like it shouldn't be happening."
For Maddie, the loss is personal. Her mom is also Chicago Police officer.
"I just put like myself in their shoes," Maddie said. "Like what if it was my mom?"
In a community of first responders, the next generation paid their respects to Officer Enrique Martinez. Many of their parents and neighbors saluted him from across the street.
"It's becoming a ritual, and it's not a good thing, you know?" said retired Chicago Police Officer Dan McGreal. "But you've got to still come out and support."
McGreal was with the Chicago Police Department for 24 years. On Monday, he honored Officer Martinez, who was only 26 years old when his life was taken.
"I can't even fathom what they are going through," McGreal said, "but I know a lot of families grieve for a long time—and it never goes away."
The community that lined the street in Evergreen Park between the funeral home and the chapel made a pledge to Martinez's loved ones—their adopted family.
"Let them know that they'll never be forgotten," said McGreal.
Officers from around country turn out for benefit for Martinez's family
On Monday evening after the funeral, a benefit event was held for Martinez's family. Donations poured in as officers from around the country turned out at CineCity Studios, 2429 W. 14th St.
"It's on the generosity of the guys coming in the door," said Rick Caballero, a retired Chicago Police officer and the founder and president of the Brotherhood for the fallen. "It's in the thousands."
The Brotherhood for the Fallen sponsors the charity of silent auction and more as one additional way to show the family that Officer Martinez is never forgotten.
"These are young officers that are dedicating their life to protect the city, and they're getting killed," Caballero said. "It's a shame."
Chicago has seen five police officers killed in the line of duty in three years—Ella French, Andrés Vásquez Lasso, Aréanah Preston, Luis Huesca, and now Enrique Martinez. Across the country, 118 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty so far this year—with 42 killed by gunfire.
"This is my first time going out of state, out of Connecticut, with the Brotherhood program," said Dee Borodin, a New Britain, Connecticut police officer.
The Brotherhood for the Fallen program started back in 2010, and now there are 34 chapters. Officer Borodin, and Bristol, Connecticut police Officer Mike Figueroa, are with the newest chapter.
"Less than four years, so I'm really new—just as Enrique was," said Borodin. "So it definitely hits you."
"It hits close to home," said Figueroa, "and to be able to come out here and show support to the city and his friends and family—I think it's great cause."
CBS News Chicago is told officers from across Illinois and 11 different states stood alongside the CPD's finest for Officer Martinez's funeral Monday. While the benefit afterward allowed the officers to unwind, it was also a way to reflect on the badges these men and women wear proudly across the country.
"It's just a friendly reminder to cherish each small moment, and to look around those left, right near, dear, far and near," said Borodin. "You've got to really remember why we're all here."
"A lot of times, people take their days, their moments, their friends, their family—'Oh, we'll see them tomorrow,'" said Figueroa. "Especially a lot of the close guys that I'm close with—and just, hey, just thinking about you, I love you, and have a good day."
Private services were held over the weekend
The passion that Martinez brought to his job was certainly on the minds of many who came out to honor him Sunday. A steady stream of mourners turned out at the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, at 103rd Street and Cicero Avenue in Oak Lawn. Well after the sun set, and after the temperature dropped, the foot traffic did not falter.
Inside the funeral home, officers pray over his casket while extending condolences to relatives.
"Yet another young officer lost far too soon, who was trying to do right by this city and its citizens," said Chicago Fraternal of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara.
Martinez was the second officer in the Chicago Police Department to be killed in the line of duty this year. He was engaged to be married and would have marked three years on the force next month.
