Slain CPD Officer Enrique Martinez honored at Gold Star Families Memorial
Chicago police officers and officials in ceremonial dress joined family and friends of slain Chicago police Officer Enrique Martinez on Tuesday as Martinez's name was added to the Gold Star Families Memorial in Burnham Park.
Martinez’s brother, Officer Adrian Martinez Jr., removed tape covering his brother's name newly carved in stone.
His name now stands at the memorial site alongside 605 other officers who were killed in the line of duty since the formation of the Chicago Police Department in the 1830s.
On Nov. 4, 2024, Martinez was shot and killed while making a traffic stop in Chatham on the South Side. He was 26 years old and had been with the department for nearly three years.
Darion McMillian, 23, a convicted felon, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Enriquez and another man in the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue,
Police Supt. Larry Snelling said that date was a night he won't forget, and one he doesn't want to relive.
"As we stand here in these uniforms as brothers and sisters in this police department, we need to stand strong with each other." Snelling said. "Because in those last moments of an officer who gave his life to protect this city, the closest thing to that officer was someone who was wearing the same uniform."
Snelling praised Martinez for his bravery and commitment to the police force, encouraging others to lead lives like he did.
"At that very young age, [he] decided to take on the task of keeping people safe in their city, took on the task of putting his life on the line to keep people safe in this city."
Chaplain Rafael Yañez spoke of Martinez’s character, noting the quote engraved at the entrance of the memorial, which reads, “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.”
“Enrique lived with integrity, loyalty and humility,” Yañez said. “We've heard stories of how he really went above and beyond, for his peers, family and even strangers.”
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation chairwoman Maria Marmolejo, Officer Eduardo Marmolejo, whose husband died in the line of duty seven years ago, spoke about the hardships of grief that Martinez's family is enduring.
“When the grief comes, it comes in all the crazy ways that it can. The pain and grief never goes away,” Marmolejo said. “But I and countless others will be here to remind you that you can, and you will, move forward, even if it's just one foot in front of the other."