Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Clarke,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 26, 2024

Marty was one of the first, in our age group, to become a police officer. As an outstanding office of the C.P.D., Marty would have went far in the department. He had such a good and fair character. God bless.

Master Sergeant (retired)
Illinois State Police

August 26, 2022

Marty was one of the first, in our age group, to become a police officer. As an outstanding office of the C.P.D., Marty would have went far in the department. He had such a good and fair character. God bless.

M/Sgt.
Illinois State Police

August 25, 2022

Hi Marty, I've been thinking about you a lot lately, maybe because as I get older, I think of all the things you've missed and wonder what would have been had you not been taken so young. It hard to believe this August it will be 38 years, and I miss you as much today as I did the night you were taken. You will always be my baby brother and know that I love you so much! Please keep watching over me and keep me safe until we meet again. You are Never Forgotten!!! All my Love, All my Life!!!

Retired P.O. Patty Clarke
CPD ~ Sister

February 7, 2022

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)

August 26, 2020

Hello Marty-
I remember you fondly from our time together at Mr. Carmel High School. You were a giant of a man (literally and figuratively). Thank you for your service and making the ultimate sacrifice. Rest In Peace my friend.

Eugene L. Munin
Friend

January 3, 2020

Dear Marty- I met you when we were teenagers at a teen retreat. You played a song on your guitar: "Lord, you're in my pocket. My heart is in your hands. Tell me what you want from me. Make my life your plan....." Marty. You were always faith filled and I have always remembered you in my daily prayers throughout the years. How are you my friend? Know I will always keep you and your song in my heart. A lot has changed thru the years. But your spirit has not. My prayers continue. Please don't stop yours.
Love you kiddo

Suzy Boblink Sitkawitz
Friend

December 29, 2019

RIP Marty

D. Hall nee Jeffrey
Family friend

August 21, 2018

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

My buddy and my friend its been many years now but still remember the good times we had. I still and will always remember the night you were taken from us, all your friends came to see you one last time and partied. Now Jimmy is up there with you watching over me too now. I miss you guys you were brothers to me. See you soon

Dennis Lenert Sgt. Richmond Ca Retired
Friend and Co-worker

February 19, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Clarke. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Hard to believe it has been 27 years since you made that ultimarte sacrifice. Please know the CPD will never forget. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

August 26, 2011

I remember Marty before he became a Chicago police officer. He was just a kid and so much fun to be around. Marty and his folk group sang at my wedding and Marty even caught my garter. Years prior, we all went to Milwaukee's Summerfest together. Those were the times that were my fondest memories, and when I really got to know Marty better. He would never hurt a soul and was all about cammeraderie and smiles. I'm sure he was an excellent police officer. He's been taken from us way too soon. Rest in peace, Buddy...You were a good guy through and through.

Linda Strzelczyk
Friend of Officer Pat Clarke

July 5, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 26, 2010

You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 26, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 25, 2008

Marty, My lazy, on furlo self did not make it to St. Jude's today, but I am thinking of you and missing you (on this day and always)! Until we meet again, Partner, keep watching out for us!

po
cpd

May 4, 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

December 30, 2007

Dear Cousin Marty:

While we only met as children at a few family functions, I want you to know that as I have taught my children and now my grandchildren some family history and stories of their grandfather Officer Francis J. Clarke Jr. and great grandfather Officer Francis J. Clarke Sr. you are part of their family history stories. I have shared this site with them, and they are all proud of ther family history. Say Hi for me to all of our family. God Bless, your cousin Jan

Janet (Clarke) Beck
cousin

July 15, 2007

Childhood friends forever. I miss you and think of you often...Of course there are plenty of "Marty" stories to share. And we do every chance we get. I love ya so keep an eye on me til we meet again my dear friend.

Love Lori

Lori Schira - Wleklinski
Nieghbor & Friend

March 2, 2007

Marty,
My baby brother, I miss you as much today as I did the day your life was taken from us. I miss hearing you play the guitar and singing (who would have ever thought I would be saying that after the way I complained when you were first learning how to play). The city doesn't realize what a great guy they lost that day, but God does and I'm sure that's why he took you back to be in "His Pocket".
Watch over me and help keep me safe until we are together again.
I Love You!
Patty

P.O. Patty Clarke - Retired
Chicago Police Dept./Sister

January 10, 2007

I am so happy to just learn that Officer Marty Clarke's star has been retired & is on display at headquarters after all of these years.

P.O. Bob Trumbo, Retired
Chicago Police Dept

January 8, 2007

Marty:

Although you have been away for over two decades I fondly remember the days were worked together at Vandenburg Ambulance before we each entered into law enforcement. Rest in peace my friend.

Jeff Cavender, Investigator
OPPD

Investigator Jeff Cavender
Orland Park Police

December 1, 2006

Officer Clarke your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 13, 2006

Hey Marty, I still miss you, they retired your star on 11 Jan 06, at headquarters (now at 35 and Michigan). Saw Patty, she did you proud. We just lost another young guy, only 26, like you. Please take him under your wing and in to our Lord's Pocket (you know what I mean). Love you, my brother. Until we meet again.

PO
CPD

February 18, 2006