Officer Down Memorial Page

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

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