Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Paul Avery Starzyk

Martinez Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, September 6, 2008

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Sergeant Paul Avery Starzyk

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 6, 2020

I'm running in honor of your memory today. There are no memorials this month, but I promise we will never forget your sacrifice! God bless your family.

Ret Sgt Perea
BPD

May 6, 2020

Paul, I think about you often...always respected you as a cop and as a person. We both changed our careers to law enforcement in our thirties after some other life experiences under our belts. That mutual back ground always added to our conversations on breaks. You had integrity and you were great to work with. Martinez family misses you as does your family. You are not forgotten.

Officer Michael Marchiano
Martinez PD

April 22, 2020

I was Paul's training officer when he started his career as a Reserve Officer and again when he became a full time officer. As a patrol watch commander, Paul often worked my shift. He became a member of our SWAT team and was constantly improving not only the team's tactics but equipment as well. Shortly after I became Chief of Police, I promoted Paul to Sergeant and saw great promise in his leadership that resonated through out the Department. Paul was enthusiastic about his career and fun to work with; I still miss him to this day.

Chief of Police-Retired Tom Simonetti
Martinez Police Department

March 30, 2020

I had the honor of working with you. As a department range master your training of fellow officers has probably saved many lives. You’re are thought of often and missed daily. You were a great man and a dedicated father.

Police Officer John Stretch
Martinez PD , prior member 549th Military Police Company.

January 10, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 10th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

September 6, 2018

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

After all these years, I still think of you often. When I am sad, down or feeling alone, I know you are watching over me. I wish I would have got to know you under better circumstances, you saw me at me absolute lowest and still treated me like a worthwhile human being. You saved my life! I know your job must not have been easy, I'm sure it was a continual let down and disappointing to see some of the bad things you had to see regularly... But I know you must have been proud and pleased by my success, because it meant that all the bs you went through was worth it!!! You were the catalyst that got me back on track, you gave me a chance to enjoy life again! Without your compassion expectations and influence, I'm frightened by the image of what could have been in my future. I will ALWAYS be grateful for you Paul Starzyk!!! xo

Elyse W.
mentee

December 24, 2015

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 6, 2013

Thinking of you and your family today. They are in my thoughts and prayers. You are remembered.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 29, 2013

Officer, you were not forgotten in this last week. The memory of your dedicated service is never far from our minds nor is your funeral service that would have been four years ago this week.

Today another officer is buried and I know you have already welcomed him into heaven. Thank you for your service.

Cynthia Tracy Law
Police Wife

September 13, 2012

Four Years have passed, but I know that it seems like just yesterday that this happened.
The hurt and pain is still fresh.
It was 11 years since my son was murdered and it seems like yesterday. You start reliving it a couple of days before the incident and you start having the same feelings that you had back when it happened.
Lord, please be with the family, friends and co-workers, give the comfort that only you can give.

Lorraine Bond (Mother)
Hamilton Co. Tn. Deputy Sheriff: Donald K. Bond, Jr. EOW: 09.06.2001

September 8, 2012

Thank you sir for your heroism, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

September 6, 2012

I went to school with Paul from 1st grade thru 6th. I ran into him on the train between San Francisco and San Mateo in the 80's. He always wanted people to laugh...
Just thought I would say hi.

friend
church

April 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Starzyk. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 15, 2012

You will never be forgotten. A dear friend once told me.....
Looking up keeps u's on our knees.
Amen

Paul you are always in our hearts.

Deputy J. Diaz
CCCSO

January 6, 2012

On my Facebook I wrote: When the anniversary comes we start remembering the last time we talked and saw our loved one. But a friend reminded me "that will not be the last time you talk with him" and that is so true. One day we will be together with our loved ones and we will talk with them once again. We will have so much to tell them.
The tears will always flow, but remember we will be together again.
God bless you and your family.
Lorraaine Bond

Anonymous

September 9, 2010

Although I am unable to pay my respects at your memorial ceremony today, I am remembering you on this anniversary day and your family and fellow officers are in my thoughts and prayers. Your sacrifice and service to Martinez will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater

September 6, 2010

Paul-

Think of you often my friend. Keep looking out for all of us from above. You are missed.

Mark Williams- Deputy Sheriff
Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff-California

August 11, 2010

"Many men are called but few are chosen"

Paul you were chosen by God to protect the innocent and strike a blow against evil.

Lives were saved by your actions.

Not a day goes by that I think of you and your family.

I'm up take it!

Michael Taylor
Friend

June 28, 2010

A year has gone by and I know it seems just like yesterday that this happened.
When the anniversary comes around you start thinking about all the things that happened that last week. And it brings back memories of when you talked with him last and when you saw him last. Hang in there, the precious memories will come.
Remember those who have walked this path before you are thinking of you and remembering Paul.
My son also died on September 6.
God bless you.
Lorraine Bond

Anonymous

September 8, 2009

On the second anniverary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered. Shannon and the children and your other loved ones are in my heart's embrace today. I am also thinking about your fellow officers and their grief. I pray for solace for all of them.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

September 8, 2009

To Sgt. Paul Avery Starzyk, his family and his fellow officers with the Martinez Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Sgt. Starzyk’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Sgt. Starzyk and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

September 8, 2009

Paul-

Still thinking of you on this day- the anniversary of your death. Thank you for giving so much to this world and our community. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous Deputy
Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff-California

September 7, 2009

Paul,

I can't believe it's been a year since you left us. I miss our talks and your sage advice. By the way, you were right.

On this painful anniversary, my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family, (especially Shannon and the kids), the Martinez Police Department, your friends and the countless other people who's lives you touched. Always in our hearts, we will never forget you or the sacrifice you made, so that others may live.

Thank you

Anonymous

September 6, 2009

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