Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez added to Gold Star Families Memorial

CHICAGO (WGN) — A new name was unveiled on the wall of the Gold Star Families Memorial Tuesday—Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez.

“He’s a shining star whose light will never fade,” said Phil Cline, Executive Director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. “Today, he will take his place next to 605 brothers and sisters—all warriors who answered the calling most people wouldn’t dare, and stood tall in the face of evil.”

Martinez, a 26-year-old officer assigned to the Chicago Police Department’s 6th District, was killed during a traffic stop in the City’s East Chatham neighborhood in November 2024.

Darion McMillian—a passenger in the car Martinez approached during the traffic stop—was charged with first-degree murder and is accused of shooting and killing him, along with the driver of the vehicle McMillian was in.

“When those people are not held accountable for violent crimes, they go out and commit more,” CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said. “They become emboldened and so emboldened, they will launch attacks on police officers who are trying to keep the City safe.”

Martinez spent nearly three years as a Chicago police officer and was following in the footsteps of his older brother, Adrian Martinez, who still serves with CPD.

His family and fiance were in attendance Tuesday, etching his name on paper, surrounded officers who served with Martinez.

“Enrique’s 27th birthday is just a few weeks away,” Cline said. “This will certainly be a painful time for his family. They should be celebrating. Our promise is to celebrate and honor his life everyday, to never forget what he and his family have sacrificed for us.”

“Officer Enrique Martinez, star No. 8314. End of watch 4, November 2024. He will never be forgotten,” Snelling said, concluding the ceremony.