Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 15, 2012

The first time I met Martin was a shock to both of us. I worked at the Torrance Court annex on Redondo Beach Pier. His fiancee also worked for the court in the main building, but was in our court room that day. Someone came to tell me that my "lunch date" was there. I didn't remember having set a date, so perplexed, I went to the window. Imagine my shock and Martin's when we were standing there looking at each other thinking who are you? We fell out laughing when we realized that it was the "other Pam" It became a running joke that I was his "other" girlfriend as Pam and I were friends. I was so looking forward to their wedding day.

Martin, you were one of the nicest people that I have ever known. You always had a smile when I saw you. I was blessed to have known you, even if it was for a short time. The day we said goodbye to you was one of the saddest in my life. All these years later, I still remember you fondly and always will.

Rest In Peace Martin

Pamela
Former employee Torrance Court
January 16, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Ganz. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
January 15, 2012

Marty, As one of your other friends said, even after all these years, we still miss you. I remember that night like it was yesterday. Seeing your overheads on and only your dark silhouette on the ground. I prefer to remember the happier times like the week before in court when you were trying to get buyers on our hokey ticket writing machine. I bet you are making a fortune pawning them off to your fellow Motors up there. Godspeed my friend.

Mark Wilson
Gardena Police Department
January 15, 2012

I served with Martin in MWSS-472 at MCAS ElToro. His loss hit the unit hard cause he was such a nice guy. I didn't know him as a close friend but only as an acquaintance but I got to know him enough to where his loss still pulls at my heart strings.

1Sgt M.
USMCR Retired
January 7, 2012

Clerk Pamela told me that she will marry Officer Martin Ganz 2 more weeks.
I told her remember to invite me.
Officer Ganz used to stand by my security's desk when I worked at the Torrance courthouse as Security Officer. Ganz is a nice down to earth person
I pray for him who risked his life to protect our community

Sam Quynh Tom
Court interpreter

Court Intepreter
Friend
October 16, 2011

I worked with Martin when we were in the Marine Corps at EL TORO. Wrote his recommendation letter to HPD. Attended an Angels baseball game with him, got drunk at the USMC Birthday celebration. We had good times. I think of him all the time. He is missed. He was an exceptional Marine and Officer. Heaven has him guarding the gate. Semper Fi.

State Traffic Officer Mike Lemasters
Calif Hwy Patrol
June 29, 2011

I went to highschool with Martin.. I'm just a few months older than him and although I hadn't seen him again since high school I always remembered him as a very happy person and never judgemental about anyone. May he rest in peace which is more than I can say for his killer when his appeals run out.

Paul
January 6, 2011

Marty you are truly missed. God Bless You.

Latanya Meadors
dispatch/rcc
December 27, 2010

As one of the jurors in the Torrance courtroom, I still have not forgotten Officer Ganz. It was a difficult case to sit on and I am so glad to see you are keeping his memory alive.

Anonymous
July 12, 2010

I am sorry that your time here was cut short by such a senseless act. Thank you for your unselfish service to your community. Rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.

Civilian
June 3, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was also your fellow Marine so I also honor your service to our country as a Marine and bid you semper fi.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
December 30, 2009

Martin and I served in the USMC together. I remember racking in the same tent with him in 29 Palms the summer before he was killed. In fact, we just finished with our two week tour when he and I returned back to So. Cal. Martin was a mentor, leader and most of all, a friend. I will never forget where i was and what i was doing when i heard of his untimely death.

I think of you all the time and the ultimate sacrifice you gave to the community. You will always be thought of Martin! Thank you for always being there for us while we served our country, thank you for being a leader and again, thank you for being a friend!!! Know this my friend, you can rest easy knowing your nephew was brave, safe and the coward who committed this crime is paying for what he did.

You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Semper Fi, Devil Dog

Sgt. Mike Fender
Irvine Police Department
March 22, 2009

Your memory popped into my head today while on patrol. Not sure why or what jogged it. It just goes to show that a Hero is never forgotten.

Sgt. T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., CA.
February 4, 2009

I was living in Redondo at the time, but grew up in Manhattan Beach, so I remember when this happened. Things like this did not "happen in Manhattan Beach". It was a sad time.

By coincidence, about 10 years later, Ganz' fiancée Pam came in to my Ford dealership to buy a car. I knew her vaguely (friend of a friend), but not in relation to Ganz.

For those interested in knowing whatever happened to Pam, she is now married and very happy... and we have a 7 month old son named JT (Jon Thomas).

With the help of our fellow Beach Cities Mustang Club members, Pam, after 12 years, finally got Martin's freeway signs up on the anniversary of his death. She helped to arrange a sign unveiling/press conference at the Bank of America where he was fatally shot in 1993.

Every December 27, at 11:05pm, a group gathers at the Bank of America in Manhattan Village. In the 4 times I have attended, sometimes it is up to 30 citizens and officers from a dozen agencies (with even a couple copters making a pass) - to just a couple of passer-bys. JT will get his first visit this time in 2008. Maybe we'll see you there, too.

Jon Schultz
President
Beach Cities Mustang Club

Jon Schultz
Lived in Manhattan Beach
November 2, 2008

Martin,

We were friends throughout Jr. High and High School. We shared many laughs and good times together. You always kept us out of trouble and your sense of humor is truly missed. I think about you quite often and your death reminds me of our own mortality. You were a good friend and will always be in my memories and prayers as I will never forget you. You are forever young Martin and I have been blessed to have known you. My heartfelt sorrow goes out to your family. Rest in peace and we shall meet again someday.

Andrew

Andrew
Friend
August 27, 2008

Officer Ganz your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
May 19, 2008

God bless Marty. I'm sure you and my brother have been talking about computers up there... :)
EF - Former MB Resident

February 25, 2008

You will always be remembered as a friend and honored for making the ultimate sacrifice. I rest easier knowing you are in a better place.

A Friend and Partner
February 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 26, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
September 20, 2007

To the family and friends of Officer Martin Ganz and his fellow officers with the Manhatten Beach Police Department and most especially to Martin himself:

Although it has been almost 14 years since your tragic death, the brightness and magnitude of your honor is no less diminished today than it was then.

To his loved ones: On behalf of our family, we wish to extend our deepest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered because of this tragic line of duty death that occurred many years ago.

I pray that his loved ones have been comforted by the support of your faith and your law enforcement family. There are many other survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty who share this difficult journey with you, and I hope they too have been a source of great comfort.

Rest in Peace, Officer Ganz

This refection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished and dedicated service Officer Ganz gave to his community and the citizens of the State of Louisiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 9, 2007.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg (CA) Police Dept, eow 4/24/05

June 17, 2007

Marty,
Often I think of those days long ago when you and I were part of the police explorer family working events throughout Orange County. I think that was something that launched you toward your successful work as a DARE cop.
Many of us former explorers work in law enforcement throughout Southern California. You are often the topic of discussion and your memory brings a smile to everyone's face. Thanks for being a great friend. You remind me of better times in this world.

Corporal David Douglas
Carlsbad Police Department
June 4, 2007

R.I.P. Marty, for now you truly belong to the ages......,

An Anonymous Admirer

Anonymous
Just an anonymous admirer
January 11, 2007

Officer Ganz,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County police Department
December 27, 2006