P.O. Johnny Martin #16576
| Name: | Martin, Johnny L. |
| Star: | 16576 |
| Rank: | Police Officer |
| District / Unit: | 013 District (Wood) |
| End of Watch: | 28-Jun-1990 |
| Incident Details: |
Officer Johnny Martin stepped out of his home to help a friend on June 28, 1990 and lost his life in the line of duty. A short time before this officer's death, his neighbor, Roberto Pizzaro, had noticed a man tampering with his car, parked a short distance down the street. Pizzaro confronted the offender and exchanged words. The offender left the scene and Martin stepped out onto the street to inquire about the raised voices he had heard. As he and Pizzaro were discussing the incident, the offender returned on his bicycle armed with a gun. A confrontation occurred and the offender opened fired at the officer fatally wounding him. Despite a wound to the heart, Officer Martin was able to fire 2 shots after retrieving his weapon on his ankle holster. The offender was arrested later that day. (End of Watch: Chicago Police Killed in the Line of Duty 1853-2006; Burke and O'Gorman 2007 Chicago’s Book Press) Officer Martin is buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago IL The offender charged with the slaying of Officer Martin was found Guilty in January of 1991 and is serving a life sentence. |
Reflections
I first met Johnny in 1982. He was a great marshal-arts fighter. He served our country as a Marine then joined CPD. He was very understanding of others especially those who had issues. He always kept a positive attitude and a big smile. He once told me he loved his job as a police officer. It gave him the ability to help people in their time of need.
This was a good and caring man...God bless you Johnny.
Johnny was a student and teacher at a martial arts school I attended at the time. He was a tough, but fair teacher. He was a courageous fighter for what was right. I miss him. --"Gentle Bruce" 07/03/2008