Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As one of the jurors in the Torrance courtroom, I still have not forgotten Officer Ganz. It was a difficult case to sit on and I am so glad to see you are keeping his memory alive.

Anonymous

July 12, 2010

I am sorry that your time here was cut short by such a senseless act. Thank you for your unselfish service to your community. Rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.

Civilian

June 3, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was also your fellow Marine so I also honor your service to our country as a Marine and bid you semper fi.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 30, 2009

Martin and I served in the USMC together. I remember racking in the same tent with him in 29 Palms the summer before he was killed. In fact, we just finished with our two week tour when he and I returned back to So. Cal. Martin was a mentor, leader and most of all, a friend. I will never forget where i was and what i was doing when i heard of his untimely death.

I think of you all the time and the ultimate sacrifice you gave to the community. You will always be thought of Martin! Thank you for always being there for us while we served our country, thank you for being a leader and again, thank you for being a friend!!! Know this my friend, you can rest easy knowing your nephew was brave, safe and the coward who committed this crime is paying for what he did.

You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Semper Fi, Devil Dog

Sgt. Mike Fender
Irvine Police Department

March 22, 2009

Your memory popped into my head today while on patrol. Not sure why or what jogged it. It just goes to show that a Hero is never forgotten.

Sgt. T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., CA.

February 4, 2009

I was living in Redondo at the time, but grew up in Manhattan Beach, so I remember when this happened. Things like this did not "happen in Manhattan Beach". It was a sad time.

By coincidence, about 10 years later, Ganz' fiancée Pam came in to my Ford dealership to buy a car. I knew her vaguely (friend of a friend), but not in relation to Ganz.

For those interested in knowing whatever happened to Pam, she is now married and very happy... and we have a 7 month old son named JT (Jon Thomas).

With the help of our fellow Beach Cities Mustang Club members, Pam, after 12 years, finally got Martin's freeway signs up on the anniversary of his death. She helped to arrange a sign unveiling/press conference at the Bank of America where he was fatally shot in 1993.

Every December 27, at 11:05pm, a group gathers at the Bank of America in Manhattan Village. In the 4 times I have attended, sometimes it is up to 30 citizens and officers from a dozen agencies (with even a couple copters making a pass) - to just a couple of passer-bys. JT will get his first visit this time in 2008. Maybe we'll see you there, too.

Jon Schultz
President
Beach Cities Mustang Club

Jon Schultz
Lived in Manhattan Beach

November 2, 2008

Martin,

We were friends throughout Jr. High and High School. We shared many laughs and good times together. You always kept us out of trouble and your sense of humor is truly missed. I think about you quite often and your death reminds me of our own mortality. You were a good friend and will always be in my memories and prayers as I will never forget you. You are forever young Martin and I have been blessed to have known you. My heartfelt sorrow goes out to your family. Rest in peace and we shall meet again someday.

Andrew

Andrew
Friend

August 27, 2008

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

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 19, 2008

God bless Marty. I'm sure you and my brother have been talking about computers up there... :)
EF - Former MB Resident

February 25, 2008

You will always be remembered as a friend and honored for making the ultimate sacrifice. I rest easier knowing you are in a better place.

A Friend and Partner

February 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 26, 2007

"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

September 20, 2007

To the family and friends of Officer Martin Ganz and his fellow officers with the Manhatten Beach Police Department and most especially to Martin himself:

Although it has been almost 14 years since your tragic death, the brightness and magnitude of your honor is no less diminished today than it was then.

To his loved ones: On behalf of our family, we wish to extend our deepest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered because of this tragic line of duty death that occurred many years ago.

I pray that his loved ones have been comforted by the support of your faith and your law enforcement family. There are many other survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty who share this difficult journey with you, and I hope they too have been a source of great comfort.

Rest in Peace, Officer Ganz

This refection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished and dedicated service Officer Ganz gave to his community and the citizens of the State of Louisiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 9, 2007.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg (CA) Police Dept, eow 4/24/05

June 17, 2007

Marty,
Often I think of those days long ago when you and I were part of the police explorer family working events throughout Orange County. I think that was something that launched you toward your successful work as a DARE cop.
Many of us former explorers work in law enforcement throughout Southern California. You are often the topic of discussion and your memory brings a smile to everyone's face. Thanks for being a great friend. You remind me of better times in this world.

Corporal David Douglas
Carlsbad Police Department

June 4, 2007

R.I.P. Marty, for now you truly belong to the ages......,

An Anonymous Admirer

Anonymous
Just an anonymous admirer

January 11, 2007

Officer Ganz,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County police Department

December 27, 2006

Martin,

I was thinking of you again today. God Bless You and Yours. Classmate from Class #255.

Sergeant
LASD

November 28, 2006

I had grown up with the man who killed you. I knew him well when we were kids. He was a seriously disturbed person and I am so sorry that he took your life and caused such grief and tragedy for your family. I am so sorry for their loss. Your death has always haunted me and I did not know your name until I found this site. God Speed you and protect your loved ones left behind.

ocean lifeguard specialist Anon
LA County Lifeguards

November 11, 2006

I never ever did forget this officer... or his face, and the tragic circumstances, I prayed so much for his family, simply in hopes that they would know there were many out there-strangers- who wished them well. As I drove back from San Diego August 1st, I was so moved by the memorial, and I too was so honored to relish in the memory of this brave, wonderful officer who I never knew, but always appreciated his protection and sacrifice...just sorry he's no longer here.

Deidre Bowen
22700 Eccles Street
West Hills, Ca 91034
(818) 652-9446

Deidre Bowen
Just someone who mouned him....

August 4, 2006

Marty,- Twelve years, 5 months and a few days have not dimmed your bright light of love, service & courage.
It's just that you now serve us from a higher watch. I did
not know you personally but when I read of your courage, in
thinking of your 12 year old (ride-along) nephew's safety
first, even as you were under fire, I was moved to visit your memorial. I took 5 photos of your memorial site, at
the Mall side of the Bank of America Building. This is at
Sepulveda & 30th St., Manhattan Beach, CA. I encourage
any and all Officers and Citizens visiting Southern CA to
visit your Memorial Site. R.I.P. Marty.
You are not forgotten!
A 5 picture Yahoo Photos Public Album may be seen at >>
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/ album?.dir=/5155&.src=ph <<

Ed Hensley, AW2(Aircrew)
U.S. Navy Retired - Viet Nam Veteran

June 3, 2006

It takes a special kind of person to be a DARE officer. Reading prior reflections prove Officer Ganz was more than special.

It is my prayer that Officer Ganz' family, friends and colleagues be comforted with the most precious inheritance of all. An inheritance so extremely special, unique even, to each individual who ever knew or even met him briefly.

MEMORIES

May his memory live on in each life he touched, be it as vibrant as the sun or as subtle as a butterfly's wings. Either is more precious than diamonds.

Marty,

It goes without saying that you wanted to make a difference, you did.

With all due respect,
Adabelle H. Rodriguez
Cockrell Hill, TX

Adabelle Rodriguez
n/a

June 2, 2006

I had seen Marty 20 minutes before his death as we passed driving down Sepulveda. He was working his MBPD shift and I the South Bay Regional DUI Task Force. We had been Task Force partners just three days before. And now as we escorted the ambulance carrying him to the hospital I couldn't believe that Marty Ganz, a great traffic cop, with a nearly constant smile who was engaged to be married, wasn't going E.O.W. this shift, but forever. It's often said about people in many walks of life that there isn't anyone who doesn't like them. Well, Marty was one of them. As Governer "Duke" spoke at the church service I was surprised to see so many school aged children at the church on a school day. Marty had also been a D.A.R.E. instructor and touched the hearts of most of Manhattan Beach's school children. He always struck me as Andy of Mayberry, with motor boots. Maybe that's why, even in retirement, Dec. 27 is not a happy day for me. R.I.P. Big Guy.

Ofc. Phil Colonnelli ID 497
Inglewood PD (Retire)

March 21, 2006

Marty, I was there that night minutes after it happened. To see my friend in such a way was no way to conclude my night. I ask myself if I had gone to the bank earlier, would the outcome be different? I will always remember you from the good times we had. Peace my brother.

Mark Wilson
Gardena PD

March 16, 2006

Officer Ganz was a DARE instructor at my middle school, and my best friend knew him well. I knew even back then that I wanted to get into law enforcement, and when this happened, I was hurt. Crushed. I saved every newspaper clipping that came out about Martin. About his fiancee, his life, everything up until his killer was caught. I wish I could have gotten to know him better, but just being a part of that community when Martin was killed, helped make me stronger and hopefully, helped me to be a better officer today. I am so happy that his killer was caught, and I am very happy as to the penalty that he got for killing Ofcr Ganz. Officer Ganz WAS a wonderful, wonderful cop.

Samantha McPherren
Denver Police Dept

April 25, 2005

Thank you my friend. We will take it from here.

RM Taylor Federal Officer
DOJ

March 2, 2005