In Chicago, there are currently 606 names engraved on the monument at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park. The most recent name to be added is that of the late police Officer Enrique Martinez.
The 26-year-old was honored in an emotional tribute Tuesday.
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Each name carved in marble on the wall represents a tragedy: a Chicago police officer who was killed in the line of duty.
The family of Martinez now shares that painful bond, and gathered in his honor with members of the Chicago Police Department for a solemn ceremony.
“Officer Martinez will join 605 fellow individuals, all of whom bravely responded to a call that many would shy away from,” expressed Phil Cline, who serves as the executive director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.
Martinez was remembered in a tribute for always wanting to be a Chicago police officer.
He followed in the footsteps of his older brother, who is also an officer.
That brother revealed the name of his younger brother and best friend on the memorial wall.
“He took on the task of putting his life on the line to keep people safe in this city,” CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling said.
Martinez was shot and killed during a traffic stop in East Chatham on Nov. 4 of last year.
The suspect, Darion McMillan, is charged with first-degree murder.
Maria Marmolejo, the widow of fallen Officer Eduardo Marmolejo, spoke to Martinez’s devastated family Tuesday.
“The emptiness of longing for someone’s affectionate embraces and the isolating feeling in a crowded room are experiences unfamiliar to most,” conveyed Marmolejo.
Martinez had been on the force for nearly three years.
“Officer Enrique Martinez, star number 8314, end of watch 4 Nov., 2024, he will never be forgotten,” Snelling said.
Officers were encouraged to have a strong showing at every court appearance made by McMillan.
Officer Martinez would have turned 27 in a few weeks.
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