Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I love you so much, Johnny! Thank you for always bringing us food at night. I miss hanging out with you and your siblings. I know you, momma and Aunt Jean are together. Happy Belated Birthday!! Love you and miss you.

Dorothy
Cousin

January 21, 2024

I remember Johnny to this day, He was the kind of friend that you can always count on.
What an amazing human being! he was taken too soon.

Al Moreno
Friend

July 17, 2022

I love and miss you so much...Muah

Your Niece
Your Niece

April 14, 2022

Johnny, we were friends years before you became a Chicago Police Officer. I too became a law enforcement officer and retired in 2017. You were an awesome martial arts partitioner and you enjoyed dancing at Jenals. I still think of you from time to time. Especially, when an officer is killed in the line of duty. You did good and you left lots of friends. Rest In Peace brother.

Criminal Investigator
State’s Attorney’s Office, Investigations Bureau

August 18, 2021

Your heroic actions that day are the true definition of duty before self, and while your killer has since been paroled, he will still surely face a higher court and higher authority at a later time. On this 30th "anniversary" of your untimely departure, we say thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven RizzoDelaware State Police (Retired)

June 28, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Martin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2020

I miss my brother very much. He was a man who care about young kids and help them to aways stay in school and have a positive mine set. He was a positive role model for the kids. I miss going out with him and partying. Love you bro.

Pamela Martin
Sister

January 9, 2019

My uncle Johnny was a man with honor, the best uncle a person could ask for. A man i so wanted to be like i take him everywhere i go. He was the best police officer in Chicago. He was a good man a respectful man. Uncle Johnny i miss u with all my heart.

Tifiny Terry
Niece

January 9, 2019

I know it's been more than a decade. But I feel is OK now and comfortable to share my thoughts about my dear older brother Johnny L. Martin. I knew John at the age of 11. Met him through my older brother Kenneth. John was like my much older brother. He always watches over me. Always walk on the outside when we're walking somewhere. Made sure I always got home safe. Often go by his parent's house to hang out with him and his family and my brother. My parents love him like he was their own son. John was always there for everyone. I remember 1 time when we went to go see a movie at The Uptown theater. A brawl broke out in the lobby. He jumps out of the seat so fast and went to assist. I told him John, you're off duty. Why did you go out there? He reply I can't ignore it I have to help. And regardless if I'm off duty. As a cop, we're always on the clock and it is our job to help. Never ask him that question again. I can't believe it's been almost 30 years. I still miss him so. Always wonder what it would be like if he was still here. You're a true hero. Love you John. You're so dearly missed. But never forgotten. Memories of you and your legacy will forever be remembered. Enjoy Heaven my dear big brother. Until we meet again. Stay Bless.

Kim Chang
Close friend

December 1, 2018

We grew up together as kids and played baseball together in the Edgewater neighborhood of Foster and Sheridan. Super nice guy and very responsible. He had a younger brother who was deaf and johnny looked after him. I thought about Him when I was watching a show about a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. I’m glad this blog is here. He was a great stand up guy.

Russell Kuzuhara
Neighborhood friend.

August 4, 2018

This a superhero in my eyes... the man he took the bullet for was my father... I was just a baby (3years old) looking out the window. Thru my entire life I would here stories on how i would immulate his martial arts stance when he would visit my father... you are the reason I was able to have a father (my father now is very sick). I wanna thank you it's hard for me to write this with a dry face... YOU ARE A SUPERHERO MY SUPER HERO I LOVE YOU FROM YOURS TRULY NIKO RICO PIZARRO

Niko Pizarro
Son of the man you died for

July 18, 2018

He died for my father that day, I was just 3 years old as I watched out the window... He is the reason i was able to have a father to grow up knowing what a father is... Johnny your a true superhero I LOVE YOU YOUR NEVER FORGOTTEN here I am 28 years later still wearing your shirt

Niko Pizarro

July 18, 2018

I knew & worked with Johnny years ago in 013 and not only was he a nice guy, he was a great police officer ~ your always in my prayers.

Retired P.O. Karen Belluomini
Chicago Police Dept.

April 8, 2017

Johnny Lewis, I often think of you and the times you came to Little Rock, AR to visit your love ones, which consisted of your mother's sisters and brother Martha, Shirley, Betty, Linda and Uncle Spudo. Well, the following are no longer with us: Uncle Spudo, Aunt Martha, Aunt Linda. Yes, your mom Aunt Jean has left this world as well. I can only imagine the reunion going on. Now, Aunt Beulah whom is your mom's oldest sister still residing in Chicago with other family members. Johnny Lewis I miss you 1st cousin. I can always remember how you would be so glad to see family come visit Chicago and vice versa. Not a day passes that I don't think about you sweetie. I remember the day when one of the best was laid to rest. Rest on baby..

Carla Simpson
Cousin from Arkansas

December 16, 2016

Johnny me and Toby were just talking about how we used to have fun as kids. Miss those days my brother. Uptown forever R.I.P. Larry Perez

Larry perez
Childhood friend

August 25, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

Hi Johnny:

I miss you so much. I think of you always and Mom is getting older but you and Aunt Jean, she talks about all the time. We love you and hate your leaving us so soon. You were and always will be our hero!!!

Dorothy M. Terry
cousin

January 1, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd anniversary year 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. Rest In Peace

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you. I thank your family and friends for shring their devotion to you through their reflections.

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

December 9, 2012

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

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Like a comet
Blazing 'cross the evening sky
Gone too soon

Like a rainbow
Fading in the twinkling of an eye
Gone too soon

Shiny and sparkly
And splendidly bright
Here one day
Gone one night

Like the loss of sunlight
On a cloudy afternoon
Gone too soon

Clergy
Clergy Association of IL

March 8, 2012

Although 21 years have passed your heroic actions shall not be forgotten. Your actions even though off-duty is a fine example of the professionalism of the CPD. I remember working with you on a few occassions and remember your professionalism. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

June 30, 2011

Well Uncle Johnny my cd finally made it to the store it's called "Life After Pain" and my stage name is Goldy anywho I just thought I might let you know...Your always in my heart...Love You oh and I was thinking of when we use to do our music together well I wrote one name"Free" one you would have loved well...that's enough of my yapping...lol...Muahhhhh...Talk to you later...Chow for now...You Niece

Sharena
Niece

November 9, 2008

Hey Uncle J. It's been another minute since I typed out my thoughts to you well...remember when I said I was doing my music and performing at concerts etc...God has blessed me to were I have a cd coming out in 2 months just had my first radio play which was so kewl...well love you uncle your niece Sharena...

Sharena Martin
Niece

March 23, 2008

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

October 17, 2007