Sergeant Paul Avery Starzyk, Martinez Police Department, California

Sergeant Paul Avery Starzyk

Martinez Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, September 6, 2008

Paul Avery Starzyk

Sergeant Paul Starzyk was shot and killed while responding to a shots fired call at a local hair salon.

The salon owner's estranged husband had entered the business with a weapon looking for the woman. As he searched the salon he fired several shots.

As responding officers arrived at the scene, they exchanged shots with the man and Sergeant Starzyk was struck. Sergeant Starzyk was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect was killed by gunshots wounds fired by Sergeant Starzyk and a responding canine officer.

Sergeant Starzyk was a 12-year veteran of the Martinez Police Department. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 47
Tour 12 years
Badge 98

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 243 Reflections

I posted the following on my FB page today (9/4/17)
I am posting this a few days before the 9th anniversary of his heroic death in the line of duty because heroes deserve more than one day of recognition. I had the honor of hiring Paul Starzyk first as a Reserve Officer and later as a full time Officer during my years as Chief of Police in Martinez, California. Paul was a stand up and stand out guy. He was promoted to Sergeant after I retired. On the day of his death he responded to an active shooter call at a local business. He and several other officers encountered the shooter who had already shot one and was a threat to multiple others who where trapped inside the business. A wild, blind shot from the shooter hit Sgt. Starzyk who, along with two other officers, returned fire. The shooter was neutralized and the other potential victims where saved from harm. Sgt. Starzyk succumbed to his wound.
This was absolutely a case of a hero putting aside his own safety in an effort to save others. In doing so he sacrificed his life. Greater love has no man.....RIP Paul, you were and are a positive example to others.

Chief of Police-retired Jerry Boyd
Martinez CA PD

September 4, 2017