Family, community pay respects at visitation for fallen CPD Officer Enrique Martinez

OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) -- A visitation service was held Sunday for fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez.

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CPD and Gold Star families said they're exhausted by the constant tragedies, and they said it's time for real change to protect police in the city.

The visitation began on Sunday afternoon. Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn was open to anybody who wants to come and express their condolences, but it was at 7 p.m. when the police department's top brass gathered inside with CPD Officer Enrique Martinez's family for the traditional St. Jude service.

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There was an endless show of love and support today for Martinez. The 26-year-old was shot and killed in the line of duty Nov. 4 while conducting a traffic stop in East Chatham.

Former Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy spoke on the trauma the department continues to face.

"These officers watched their friend and colleague die in front of them," Roy said. "They're scarred for life and will carry that with them the rest of their life... but you know something... they're gonna be back out there the next day protecting you and protecting me."

That trauma is something the Gold Star families continue to carry with them everyday. They said Sunday's service was another reminder of the work still ahead to stop these tragedies.

"It's nice to offer thoughts and prayers," said Sandra Wortham, sister of fallen Officer Thomas Wortham. "To me, what is more meaningful is to offer work on behalf of our fallen... on behalf of our gold star families and on behalf of our members who are still working to keep seeing this every six months... every year... it's disgusting."

Just as the City of Chicago is getting ready to bury Martinez on Monday, a special remembrance took place outside of CPD's Second District on Sunday. A stretch of Wentworth Avenue received an honorary designation in recognition of CPD Officer Samuel Jimenez, who was shot and killed in the line of duty nearly six years ago, as he responded to a deadly shooting at Mercy Hospital.

"Every time I see his face, I think of how quickly life can change. He got up that day, he went to work, but he never came home," said CPD Captain Nicole Clark.

CPD Supt. Larry Snelling testified before the Chicago City Council's budget committee on Friday. He spoke out against violence directed at police, saying since 2020 alone, 330 officers have been shot at in Chicago, and 38 of those have been injured or killed.

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Snelling was at Sunday's honorary roll call as well.

"When we think of the officers that we've lost -- Officer Ella French, Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso, Officer Aréanah Preston. Officer Luis Huesca and now, once again. Officer Enrique Martinez -- we cannot continue to go on this path and not stand by each other," Snelling said.

Hundreds of people stood by the men and women in blue on Sunday as they lined up outside Oak Lawn's Blake-Lamb Funeral Home to offer their condolences to Martinez's family.

Martinez, a nearly three-year veteran of the department, was killed on Nov. 4 while conducting a traffic stop in East Chatham. Police said the alleged gunman, 23-year-old Darion McMillian, also fatally shot his own passenger as he opened fire on Martinez.

McMillian has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, among other charges.

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

READ MORE | Mayor Johnson plans to attend funeral for Officer Martinez despite family not wanting him there

"These officers watched their friend, their colleague die in front of them. They are scarred for life. They are going to carry that with them for the rest of their lives. But you know something? They are going to be out the next day, protecting you, protecting me," said Retired CPD Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy.

The wake will continue un 8 p.m. Sunday. Martinez will be buried Monday. The funeral service will take place at St. Rita of Cascia, as has become customary.

Ald. Matt O'Shea is asking residents in his 19th Ward to line the streets as the CPD funeral procession passes by.

Gov. JB Pritzker has ordered all people and entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly their flags at half-staff in honor of Martinez until sunset on Monday night.

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