Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Its been 2 years...we will never forget your dedication to all the survivors.

Mark Hannan
IL C.O.P.S.

August 22, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 9, 2008

Gary,

When I participated in the Indiana Police Unity Tour during the Spring of 2003, you rode at the back of our line. Over the Blue Ridge mountains, traveling the Shenandoah Valley, you couldn't be anything but encouraging. We rode many a mile together from Indiana to Washington, DC. As I processed another DUI driver through the jail in south-central Los Angeles last night, that damn country music of yours kept blaring.............with your voice saying, "Just keep up a nice even pace..........you can make it." On that late Summer afternoon last year, with jet lag in my head, we stood in pouring rain to honor your life during the outdoor memorial. Not enough pouring rain to match our tears and saying goodbye. Thank you for your friendship.............until we meet up high......

Officer Sam Knight
California Highway Patrol

August 31, 2007

Deputy Chief Martin,
Today is the one year anniversary of your EOW. My thoughts are with your loved ones and friends who remember you today for the wonderful man and dedicated officer of the law you were. Thank you for having the courage to choose this career, that is often so thankless.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 22, 2007

Your EOW anniversary is just around the corner and
healing is nowhere in sight. Your memory is alive
and well and your sacrifice never forgotten.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 14, 2007

Daddy I miss you with every breath I take. You will always be the love of my life....

Gin Gin

Jennifer Martin-Luskey
Daughter

June 21, 2007

This was a horrific loss that I continue to feel even to this day. He was my mentor, professor, advisor and so very much more. He will always be the one I will remember as the one who gave me the drive and passion to pursue my career. It is a tremendous loss to the Law Enforcement community as well as the IUN campus. I can only imagine how his family must fee. We will miss him forever.

Melissa Wilkinson, Alumni IUN
Student

April 25, 2007

"...I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln..."

ptl mankin

April 12, 2007

Still missing you. You're in my heart always.

Liz Jones
friend

March 6, 2007

--"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha Special Deputy Gary L. Martin,
Thank you for your years of service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum of the ODMP light. That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here. That "LIGHT" comes from within the heart and soul of every person who cares to share a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer. Every fallen officer is an hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page gives us a place to come together and share our feelings as one family. May we find comfort as we give comfort to the families who have lost a loved one.

As we say in Hawaii, “We are`Ohana.” We are family. God Bless this fallen hero. May we embrace him as one of our own family member; our `Ohana. No one will ever be able to replace you for you were unique and very special. No one; not in this lifetime. May God allow you to rest in His Divine peace.

Special Deputy Gary L. Martin, I wish you, your loved ones, your fellow officers, and friends, peace and love beyond all understanding.

--- May this Hawaiian prayer give all those who read it comfort. ---

THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale (Private Citizen)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

January 9, 2007

Gary,
You wore so many hats for so many people. For me you started out as a respected professor, became a counselor and protector, then a father figure, and ultimately a friend. I owe you so much for helping me remain calm and focused during the hard times and for chastizing me when I needed it. You were always there for me; I fondly remember sitting on the steps at IUN getting badly needed advice from you, and years later, talking to you as you rode your bicycle throughout the state. I will always be grateful for your guidance and friendship. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything! You are greatly missed.

Toni
Friend

October 26, 2006

It is a time of sorrow, it is a time of grief, and it is a sad time for officers and families during this sudden loss of life. We here at Cops Evangelist Ministries will have you in our prayers daily for the following days of grief. Remember that officers are honored to protect us on our homeland and we thank them for their sacrifice.

Joe Taylor
Cops Evangelist Ministries

Joe Taylor (Former FL LEO)

September 18, 2006

To the Martin Family,
I am from Portage, Indiana and now living in Tennessee and my aunt sent me an article on Deputy Martin and what a great person. From my criminal justice students and myself we are so very sorry for your loss.

Jeff
Hendersonville High School Criminal Justice Teacher

September 14, 2006

To the Martin family. I will keep you in my prayers for strenght and peace. May God bless Special Deputy Gary Martin for his works for the
COPS organization and his years of service with the Lake County Sheriff's Dept. I to grieve for the lost of my spouse in line of duty 2004. I grieve for your family as well. Peace Be You

lorrie winder

September 13, 2006

Words cannot describe how much you meant to me Gary. You were such a positive role model. You pushed me to my limits so many times, just to show me that I really can accomplish what I wanted most out of life. When my father was sick, you always had something positive to say to get me to the next day. You were more than a mentor, advisor, or teacher; you were a true and impartial friend. I am so honored to have known you, to be taught by you and to learn life through you. Without you and your positives way, I would never be where I am at today. I thank you so much Gary. You will be missed by so many. Indiana University Northwest’s SPEA Department will never be the same without you. I know that your spirit will live within all of us that knew and loved you. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice that you made to help others. You will never be forgotten.

With Love & Friendship

Probation Officer Crystal Macchiarella
Hammond City Court

September 13, 2006

May GOD bless your family and friends now. Thank you for your many years of service and dedication. Rest in peace Deputy Martin.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

September 12, 2006

To the family of Deputy Martin. I am truely sorry and my heart breaks for your family as I truely understand your pain. Please remember that our HERO's give 100% to their family and community. They put all else before themselves. Your HERO is now at rest and the benifits of his unselfish life are being bestowed to him. HERO's never make a big deal of what they do, they live daily what they do, and now they are reaping the benefits of that job well done. Please remember if you feel that you should or should not do something, that is your ANGEL watching over you, because I believe that our HERO's watch is never over they are watching over us. When you think of him you will know in your heart that he loved you and the job he did so well. I will remeber him in my thoughts and prayers as I do all the fallen Hero's and also the ones carring on their legacy. God Bless your family. Cheryl

Cheryl H.
Daughter of 1968 slain CPD officer

September 11, 2006

IT WAS SAID: WHAT WE DO FOR OURSELVES DIES WITH US. WHAT WE DO FOR OTHERS REMAINS AND IS IMMORTAL.

Gary you have done so much....for so many. You have had an impact on so many. We will never forget you.

CB/ A.PINE
FRIEND

September 9, 2006

I have known Gary for many many years. He was so full of life and always made time for others. He had a laugh that would turn your day around.It seems impossible to believe we will not see his smiling face in days to come. Many are having a terrible time with this loss.

Deputy Coroner Charlene Bulot
Deputy coroner/friend

September 9, 2006

Gary, you were such a mentor and counselor to so many police officers and university students during your career that your memory will never diminish. I consider my self fortunate to have been not only your fellow officer but a trusted friend. Rest in peace forever and I hope to see you once more.

Major Jerome Ezell
Indiana State Police

September 8, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

September 7, 2006

Chief, Thank you for your service to our nation. your sacrifices and dedication to our profession will never be forgotten. Rest in peace!

Deputy Chief Gene Bernal
Orlando Police Department

September 5, 2006

Dear Brother Martin,
I along with countless others will miss you Gary. You departed us too soon in lifes adventure. You will never be forgotten and the many officers you touched who have inspired in becoming professional police officers through out our nation. By far you got the last laugh on us with the rain storm that pour down that memorable day. I saw many people that day who will always have a special Gary Martin moment with you. Michelle and I will cherish the times we did "Muddy Buddy" together and remember the laughs we had during and after the race.

God Bless you and your loving family.


Buc Weaver,President
Schererville FOP #170

Ofc. Buc Weaver
Schererville FOP Lodge #170

September 5, 2006

GOD Bless you and your family.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

September 5, 2006

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Special Deputy Martin's family, friends and co-workers. I was married to Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002 and I am now married to Washington County Sheriff Deputy A.V. Carpenter. All of your COPS family is here for you and hurting for you. We all became a family when our loved ones became police officers and now we have even a stronger bond when one of our family members go down. We are here for you to help you along this journey you now have joined with us. God bless you all.

Denise Nichols Carpenter
Vice President of Alabama COPS

September 5, 2006