Coronavirus Chicago: Funeral held for CPD Sergeant Clifford Martin, who died from COVID-19
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family members and Chicago police officers gathered Tuesday to say goodbye to Chicago Police Sergeant Clifford Martin, who died from COVID-19.
Martin, 56, died earlier this month. He worked for CPD for 25 years.
Martin had more than 60 department awards and worked in the Area Central Bureau of Detectives. He had a wife and three children.
"Even in her grief, she (Martin's widow) said that her husband would want his death to serve as a warning to civilians that they must stay home," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said at the announcement of his death.
Coronavirus deaths in Illinois by county; COVID-19 victims of all ages
only a few family members allowed inside because of social distancing guidelines.
Only a few family members were allowed inside due to current social distancing public health guidelines. Hundreds of Chicago police officers remained in squad cars outside the funeral home and took part in procession to the cemetery in Blue Island.
"To the Martin family, we give our deepest, deepest condolences," said acting Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown. "Our hearts are heavy as first responders, we're here to honor this great man's sacrifice."
Martin was the second of three Chicago police officers to die from the coronavirus.
Officer Marco DiFranco was the department's first on April 2, and Officer Ronald Newman died Friday afternoon.
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At least 349 Chicago police members have tested positive COVID-19, 332 sworn officers and 17 civilian members.
