Chicago Mourns Fallen Officer Enrique Martinez in Visitation Service

Hundreds of individuals gathered on Sunday at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn, Illinois, to pay their respects to fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez. The 26-year-old officer was shot and killed on November 4 during a traffic stop in East Chatham, leaving his colleagues and the community in mourning.

According to former Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy, the loss has deeply affected the department. «These officers watched their friend and colleague die in front of them,» Roy stated. «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.»

In attendance at the visitation were members of Gold Star families—families of officers who have died in the line of duty. Sandra Wortham, sister of fallen Officer Thomas Wortham, expressed the need for proactive measures beyond condolences. «To me, what is more meaningful is to offer work on behalf of our fallen… it’s disgusting,» she commented.

Coinciding with the service, the City of Chicago prepared for Martinez’s burial scheduled for Monday. An honorary designation was introduced on a stretch of Wentworth Avenue in recognition of a former officer slain nearly six years ago at Mercy Hospital. CPD Captain Nicole Clark remarked, «He got up that day, he went to work, but he never came home.»

CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling acknowledged the ongoing violence faced by police officers in Chicago, noting that since 2020, 330 officers have been shot at, resulting in 38 injuries or deaths. During a roll call in Martinez’s honor, Snelling emphasized the need for unity and vigilance. «We cannot continue to go on this path and not stand by each other,» he said.

Enrique Martinez, who had served nearly three years with the department, was fatally shot while performing his duties. The alleged gunman, identified as 23-year-old Shadarius McMillian, also allegedly killed his own passenger during the encounter. McMillian faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, and remains in custody awaiting trial.

As the city prepares for Martinez’s funeral at St. Rita of Cascia, Alderman Matt O’Shea has urged residents of his 19th Ward to line the streets during the funeral procession. In honor of Martinez, Governor J.B. Pritzker has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday.