CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — With hundreds of police officers inside and outside of St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church, loved ones and mourners gathered on Monday to honor the life of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, who was shot and killed two weeks ago during a traffic stop. He was 26.
At the funeral mass, Martinez was praised by Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling for his courage in making that stop.
“How many innocent people did he protect, that could have become victims, had Officer Martinez not stopped that vehicle that night,” Snelling said.
His older brother, Adrian Martinez, who is also a police officer, said they all died a little that night. He added, though, that Enrique Martinez’s actions saved lives.
“Because of my brother's strength and courage, we are all able to see another day, embrace the loved one, create more memories and live without fear,” he said. “Because of my brother, I know there are 10,000 more Enriques who swore the oath and who will take the place to protect the people of this city.”
The mass was not all somber. Fr. Dan Brandt, the Chicago Police Department chaplain, told those gathered that he talked with other officers in the 6th District, who described the kind of officer Martinez was.
“Enrique was full of life, many told me,” he said. “Cheerful. He had a contagious laugh, uplifting, always smiling.”
Snelling reminded the hundreds of officers in the church that they are all praised for continuing to do their jobs.
“When we see our fallen, it is a reminder of how important we are and how much more we need to do to make sure this doesn't happen again," Snelling said. "We all know the reality.”
It may indeed happen again.
Mayor Brandon Johnson was not in attendance. He was asked to stay away by the family. Among the alderpersons present were Matt O’Shea, Anthony Beale, Jeylu Gutierrez and Gilbert Villegas.
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