Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hero Marty Ward. Thank you for your service, reading these reflections shows how great of an impact you have made. Thank you.

Marcus Brown

April 15, 2024

Det. Ward,
On today, the 39th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 3, 2023

I never forgot you Marty
Old York Forever

Citizen
Friend

June 6, 2023

You will never be forgotten WARRIOR- you helped make the world a better place!

Detective Bryan Bonitati
Maryland Department of Public Safety
United States Marshal Service - TFO

December 24, 2022

Rest in peace Detective Ward.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 12, 2022

December 3rd is always hard for me. My uncle died when I was young, but I still remember it like it yesterday. It's amazing how someone can shape and influence your life so many years later and that is a testament to how strong and positive his character was. I hope he is proud of me; proud of my service others and proud of the family that still honors his legacy today and forever. I know that Uncle Marty and my dear grandmother are watching over us, protecting and guiding us. Forever my hero.

Dacia N. Dickey Bey
Niece

December 3, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 3, 2020

My Friend; My Mentor; My Big Brother; My Hero. Marty was the Big Brother I never had. He gave me driving lessons and even took me to the DMV at Mondarmin Mall to take the driving test and get my license with his silver and burgundy Olds Cutless. He was a major influence on my decision to join the Army as a Military Policeman. He would often tell me stories of his time in the Marine Corps. When Marty died I was stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia as a Criminal Investigator. The news of his passing literally broke my heart and I was in total disbelief for months. I followed all the news releases and heard pieces of the audio recordings that were just so sad. Those recordings continue to haunt me to this day. I was able to attend the funeral service and there were Law Enforcement Officers in attendance from all over the Country. Marty was truly loved, respected, and honored by all that knew him. I still have a copy of his obituary inside the front cover of my photo album. I have nothing but pleasant memories of Marty and I miss him every day. All of the reflections posted on this site are a testament to the character of this great man. It is because of him that I am in part the man I am today. Thank you Marty. To his family I send my most sincere condolences. God Bless, and Rest In Peace.

First Sergeant Retired Brent E. Bacon
U.S. Army Military Police Corps / Friend

September 20, 2020

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 17, 2020

RIP sir.

Sgt. D. Walters
Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office

December 4, 2019

Marty was like family we spent some time together. His death affected me greatly. There is so much i would like to say But all i will say is Rest In Peace. Your death was not in vain

Retired Detective Daniel Boone
Baltimore Police Homicide Unit

December 3, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

December 3, 2019

This death has haunted me from time-to-time for 35 years.

I was 24 years old, in law school in Chicago, but in D.C. visiting my then-girlfriend.

The News Anchor warned that the undercover audiotape was vivid. I should have followed the warning and stop listening.

I recall as I type, Detective Ward trying to talk sense to the bad guy dope dealer. I recall the dope dealer telling Detective Ward to "get down!"

The bad guy coward repeated three times, "get down!"

Each time he said it, he shot Detective Ward. My brain will not let go of or silence the muffled sound of each gunshot.

Most tragically, I still hear Detective Ward respond with a painful, "Oooh," to each shot.

I pray that his Wife, his Children, and his other loved ones have found some meaningful degree of peace.

Please know that Detective Ward is remembered and deeply honored.

George, a former AUSA
United States Attorney's Office

July 22, 2019

My hero forever !

I hope that I make him proud.

Dacia
Neice

December 4, 2016

Detective ward was the best police detective I have ever known, I have always wonder why such a good man worked in one of the worse areas in Baltimore , and yet it never end changed him, I remember when my mother and I heard the bad news that was a terrible sad day for both of us my mom really loved detective ward. She always said if they could get more police like him , Baltimore would be a Nice place to live.

Gna Audrey Griffin
None

August 29, 2016

My uncle, my hero I miss you more than words can express. You set a precedence and you raised the bar. You taught me intregrity, character and humanity. Because of you , I thrive and through us you will live forever. I hope that I make you proud.

Love you always,

Dacia

..
Neice

December 3, 2015

Ive held off writing a reflection as it is hard remembering Marcellus, who was an outstanding individual and police officer. I first met him when he came to the Eastern District
after graduation from the Academy. I was then transferred to Headquarters, during which I recall being advised he had a very bad accident/injuries. I was surprised to hear that he had returned to the Dept. Some years later, I was then Chief of Detectives, when advised of this death. And visited the site of the shooting. Every time I pass the location I think of him and how had he lived he would have advanced higher. He was an outstanding officer who I have never forgotten nor will.

Col. Richard A. Lanham Retired
BPD

November 28, 2015

Det. Ward has been an inspiration to me for my entire career. Having never had the privilege to meet him I've only come to know him through the tragedy. I choose not to remember him for how he died, but rather for how he lived.

Jay Dobyns
ATF Special Agent (ret.)

October 11, 2015

Everytime I go to my Grandmothers house I see this clipping of him. I have never been able to know him personally. But, my grandmother Rosie would tell me he was a wonderful person and detective. I was talking to customer at Pulaski tires and he told me that they use his audio as a form of training officers(City and State). I just wish I had or could remember him. His legacy will always live on.

Lisa Cousins-DeShazo
Cousin

September 14, 2015

All my life, I have been told and firmly believe that God works in
mysterious ways. For some odd and strange reason today, I
awaken this morning with the death of Detective Ward on my
mind. I then used my cell phone to search his name.

I discovered this website and read the various
reflections written by family and friends.

I felt compelled to follow my heart and to post to this
site. It's been many years ago when I so vividly
remembered watching the funeral procession
of Detective Ward at an intersection in Baltimore. Cars
stretched for miles and miles as I paused and prayed
for the family to find peace and understanding.

I didn't know Detective Ward as well as I had come to know other
members of his family (his loving mother,
sisters, and his brother). They were and still are beautiful people.

I have been blessed with the honor and pleasure of being
a part of loving family. I pray that God's peace will remain
in your hearts.

Spirituality,
Barbara Atkins-Carter

Barbara
Friend

March 6, 2015

Rest in Paradise Uncle Marcell Always and Forever My Hero & Angel who watches over me. My son will know who you are. Your Legacy will forever live on.

I Love You!!!!!

Tiara
Niece

December 4, 2014

To those who wear the uniform and badge , he was the greatest father and cop that ever put on the badge. With the mess in world today honor him not shame what he stood for in life. To all my brothers protect those who need protecting and help those who don`t understand why we do the job. I love You DAD . Your Son.

Marcellus Ward III
Son

December 4, 2014

Rest in paradise.
love, Dacia

Dacia
niece

December 3, 2014

I never met him, but I have spoken of him often. Sitting in my hotel tonight I listened to his last moments. It always saddens me, but his story is optimistic (as portrayed through my mind) that we all have a common goal, to better society. He unfortunately sacrificed everything. But his story will live forever within me and everyone I teach. God bless you and your family Det Ward. For multiple honorable careers and a message that transcends time, I am honored.

AG

Soldier
U.S. Army

August 18, 2014

Man, I vividly recall the day Detective Ward was buried. The lines of police cars stretched on Caroline Street from the church to North Avenue. As fate would have it, years later, I would be inspired by Detective Ward's courage and dedication to follow my dream and become a law enforcement officer. May you continue to rest in peace Detective Ward and thanks for your service.

A Friend

January 9, 2014