CPD Officer Enrique Martinez Honored During Memorial Mass at Far South Side Church
A Community Comes Together to Mourn and Celebrate
Chicagoans packed a far South Side church Sunday morning to honor and mourn Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, who was killed in the line of duty last week. The memorial Mass was held at St. Christina Church in Mount Greenwood, a neighborhood long home to police officers and firefighters.
“We are a community of faithful and selfless servants of our city and of our country,” said Rev. Ryan Brady at the start of his homily. “Our homes are filled with first responders, and our hearts are filled with pride and gratitude. But today here, our hearts are broken and filled with grief. We grieve for the Martinez family, for the Chicago Police Department family and for us we grieve.”
Martinez, who was 26 and on the job not quite three years, was killed last Monday night during a traffic stop in the Chatham neighborhood. He was shot several times and pronounced dead after being taken to University of Chicago Medical Center by fellow officers.
Just over a month ago, the St. Christina parish gathered to pray over the city’s first responders, Brady said. “Lord knows the police, firefighters, paramedics need our prayer,” Brady said. “Boy, did we pray. We filled this church, and we prayed with might, and we celebrated those noble vocations that allow us to live comfortably and at peace in our city.”
A Community of Faith and Support
Marianne Walisiak, a Mount Greenwood resident for 27 years, attended the Mass to pay her respects to Martinez, his family and the city’s police officers. Wearing a “back the blue” T-shirt and pin with a photo of Martinez, she said she’s proud to live in a neighborhood that celebrates first responders.
“It’s strengthening to have the community come together like this,” she said after the Mass ended, her eyes welling up. “I really believe that these police officers wouldn’t have to go through this if they were backed.”
A Message of Support and Solidarity
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) told reporters he’s attended several funerals and memorials for police officers during his career. “The danger has not minimized, the threats to their safety have not ceased,” Lopez said. “It’s important for us to remind our officers and our city that they are loved, that they are supported, and that there are more people across all communities who are with them than against them.”
Conclusion
The memorial Mass for Officer Enrique Martinez was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers and their families. As the community comes together to mourn and celebrate his life, it is clear that the city’s first responders are not alone in their struggles. They are supported by a community that values their service and recognizes the dangers they face every day.
FAQs
* Who was Officer Enrique Martinez?
+ Officer Enrique Martinez was a 26-year-old Chicago Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty last week.
* Where was the memorial Mass held?
+ The memorial Mass was held at St. Christina Church in Mount Greenwood, a neighborhood long home to police officers and firefighters.
* Why was the memorial Mass important?
+ The memorial Mass was important because it allowed the community to come together to mourn and celebrate the life of Officer Enrique Martinez, and to show support for his family and the city’s police officers.
