Mass honors fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez on Far South Side

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Sunday, the loved ones of fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez and with first responders filled a Far South Side church in his honor.

Leaning on their faith after loss, Chicago Police Officers, along with a compassionate community packed St. Christina Catholic Church in the city's Mt. Greenwood neighborhood.

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It's been nearly a week since 26-year-old Officer Enrique Martinez was killed in the line of duty.

Fellow officers, firefighters, paramedics along with the community were invited to the mass Family asked the community to wear blue in solidarity with police and 26-year-old officer Martinez.

The depth and magnitude of his death was felt by those wanting to pray for Officer Martinez's family and CPD.

Today, here, our hearts are broken and filled with grief," said Father Ryan Brady with St. Christina Parish. "Grief for Enrique, for the Martinez family, for the Chicago Police Department family and for us."

Father Brady said in the face of tragedy, he wants to instill a sense of hope.

"Even in the most tragic and dark times we can still maintain hope. How do we do that? It's through prayer," Father Brady said. "We do it thought prayer we do it through coming together as one."

Officer Martinez died in the line of duty Monday night during a traffic stop near 80th and Ingleside.

Police said 23-year-old Darion McMillian shot and killed Martinez and the driver of the car McMillian was in before the Harvey man was arrested later that evening.

McMillian faces first-degree murder charges, along with attempted first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and more.

Last week, a judge ordered him to remain in custody pending trial.

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"He was a young kid," retired Chicago Police Officer Michael Brittain said. "He had his whole life ahead of him."

Brittain attended Sunday's mass with his wife.

"It's a camaraderie... It's just something we do," Brittain said. "It's part of us, it's been part of us forever and it will be always."

Maureen Kristin also served with CPD.

"It's terrible," Kristin said. "These young kids, they come on the job, and oh my God, their poor families."

She said she wants the Martinez family and CPD to know that people are praying for them.

"Some people do care. This is an awesome parish," Kristin said. "We have a ton of police officers and firemen."

A city deep in mourning continues to uplift a fallen officer, his family and the police department in prayer.

A wake visitation service for Officer Martinez will be held Sunday Nov. 17 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday Nov. 18 at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago.

A GoFundMe has been started to collect donations for the Martinez family.

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