Chicago Mourns Fallen Officer Enrique Martinez: Funeral and Procession Details

On Monday, November 18, 2024, the city of Chicago came together to mourn the loss of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, who was fatally shot in the line of duty on November 4. The 26-year-old officer was conducting a traffic stop near 80th and Ingleside in the East Chatham neighborhood when he was killed by 23-year-old Darion McMillian, who has been charged with first-degree murder among other offenses.

The funeral service for Officer Martinez was held at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, beginning at 10 a.m. A procession preceded the service, starting from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home and traveling eastbound on 103rd Street to Western Avenue, then northbound on Western to 77th Street, and finally westbound on 77th to the chapel. After the funeral, the procession continued to Beverly Cemetery.

Hundreds of people, including law enforcement members from across the state, community members, and those who knew Martinez, gathered for a visitation at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn on Sunday. The visitation saw a steady stream of mourners paying their respects to the fallen officer.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will not attend the funeral at the request of Martinez’s family. Former Mayor Richard M. Daley was spotted in attendance.

Officer Martinez, who was recently engaged and nearing his third year with the Chicago Police Department, is the fifth Chicago police officer to be killed by gunfire in the past three years. His death has sparked reflections on the ongoing trauma faced by police officers and the community. “These officers watched their friend and colleague die in front of them,” said former Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy. “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”.

A GoFundMe has been started to collect donations for the Martinez family, and residents in the 19th Ward have been encouraged by Alderman Matt O’Shea to line the procession route to honor Officer Martinez and show support for his family and fellow officers.