Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I served with Martin in the MWSS-472 at MCAS El Toro. He was an MP and I was in Crash Crew at the time. We were only acquaintances but I remember having a conversation with him shortly before he got killed. His death hit our unit hard and we were all deeply saddened. He really was a nice guy and easy to talk to. I have these images of his funeral, taps, the last conversation we had. You never really see anything like this coming until it does and when it does you never forget. Semper Fi Martin.

Reserve Deputy Bob Monticup
Orange County Sheriff's Department

January 19, 2017

I was working the Manhattan Beach PD position one day as a dispatcher and an emergency message from an MDC came across that I didnt recognize. So I called the unit and got no response. The hotline rang from the watch commander, he said it was Marty's unit that was in the evidence area. Scared the shit out of me. Miss you Marty.

South Bay Clear...Jeff

Jeff Moore
Director, Emergency Communications Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

March 27, 2016

I was a dispatcher at RCC, we dispatched for Manhattan Beach, among other agencies. Marty was a great guy, very likeable. When he came into dispatch he was always very likeable, funny and nice. I miss you brother now he's EOW.I went to the sentencing for his murderer, There was a sea of blue there. I miss you Marty. For those of you who still work the road, DO NOT FORGET TO CALL OUT YOUR STOPS, WE DONT KNOW WHERE YOU ARE WHEN YOU NEED HELP. AND WE DO CARE ABOUT YOU. Jeff Moore, former South Bay DUI Task Force dispatcher.

Jeff, RCC

Jeff Moore
Director, Emergency Communications Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

March 27, 2016

To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Ganz -

My heartfelt condolences. The anniversary of his murder was just 8 or 9 days ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. I lived in Manhattan Beach at the time and frequented the shopping center in which that fateful event took place. I had just started my career in law enforcement with the U.S. Government and I chose to live in M.B. because I felt it was comparatively safe. I am now in the twilight of my career with more than 25 years of service and I have never forgotten the ultimate sacrifice that Officer Ganz made on what should have been a "routine" traffic stop.

Godspeed Officer Ganz...

Special Agent
U.S. Government, Pittsburgh, PA

January 5, 2016

I met Marty during DARE training in 1989 at the LAPD. Marty is one of the few officers whom I remember from that training. Marty was easy to befriend. I learned of Marty's death soon after he was killed; it was hard to believe that the only police officer I knew from Manhattan Beach at that time was gunned down.

Marty, you are always in my thoughts. RIP.

Tom Giugni, Captain - Retired
Fairfield Police Department

May 10, 2015

Always will remember Martin. Fun guy with a great attitude. Forever in my heart. Will always remember the Reserve Academy with him. Prayers to his family and friends. Great full your nephew was spared and ver sad that we lost a great officer and brother. You will never be forgotten ..... Linda

Linda Hammelman
Retired Parole Agent State of Ca.

April 29, 2015

My buddy(a retired Garden Grove Police Office like myself) were talking about a office involved shooting in another state when he brought up Officer Ganz's death. I did not recall it because I retired in 1987 but he was still on duty. I was a motor officer the last 5 years I was on duty. I feel bad that I didn't recall and felt I had to look up web site.
As a Viet-Nam Vet and a retired police officer I thank you for your service to God and Country.

Kenneth C. Collier
Garden Grove Police Dept. Retired

February 11, 2015

Martin, I do not know why but I thought of you tonight. I know you are an Angel in Heaven. The good old days Explorers and the Reserve Academy. I will always remember you and your great friendship. Linda

Retired Linda Hammelman-Beld
Friend and Retired Parole Agent

September 7, 2014

Hi Marty, I attended your 20 Year Memorial Service last night (you would have been proud) even after all these years you are still remembered. It was interesting seeing all the faces of young officers that were barley born when this tragedy occurred, it is so unfortunate they didn't have the opportunity to know you and what you stood for, your dedication to your work, family and friends. I have had the pleasure to have witnessed and been part of all three. I think of you often. I (now) play senior Soft Ball in MB, with #184 and the "Q" and every Thursday we walk by the plack in your memory, say a prayer and thank the Lord for having you in our lives for even a short period. You will not be forgotten, until we meet again 2M72

Officer Larry Munn, 2M72
Manhattan Beach Police Dept.

December 28, 2013

Thank you to everyone who posts here and keeps Ganz's story and memory alive. Your messages are read and appreciated by friends and family.

Please visit the new memorial webpage for Ganz.

Jon Schultz
Beach Cities Mustang Club

December 27, 2013

20 years now, but still not forgotten...RIP Marty

Jeff Moore
Former DUI TF dispatcher RCC

December 24, 2013

I was a security guard at the Manhattan Village Mall and not working on that horrible night. I learned a great deal from him during the short time that i knew him. He ALWAYS made an attempt to stop by the Security Office and talk with us. Marty also served in the Marine Corps with my wifes cousin (small world). I still drive through the mall and visit his memorial in front of the bank.

Darryl Everts
LASD

August 16, 2013

I served briefly with Martin in the Marine Corps. We were not close, but had a few good memories together and I had the honor of attending his funeral. He was such a nice person. A leader with a presence, but no ego... My two favorite memories of him were 1) talking the entire night with him in a fighting hole about life. He was the type of guy you could confide in after knowing him 5 minutes. 2) One of the SNCOs (Freeman) drawing whiskers and mustache on Martin's face with a black pen when Martin fell asleep on a flight. He just laughed with everyone else and went back to sleep. Its almost 20 years later, and it is still something I think about every December and on random nights like tonight at 2am on a Monday morning.

Semper Fi Marty...

Anonymous
Former Marine

August 5, 2013

Martin was such a nice guy, a genuinely good person. He loved his family very much and treated everyone he knew as if they were his family, too. Martin was my motor partner and we loved to ride together. His memory has been riding with me all these years. But i'm retiring next week and with only a couple people left here at the station who actually knew Martin, i think this is a good time for Martin to retire, too. So Martin and i say goodbye as we ride off into the sunset together. 2M73 and 2M75 (now 2S1) EOW on Dec. 28, 2012. Live every day of your life like it's the last!

Sgt. Mark Mason
Manhattan Beach Police Department

December 21, 2012

I never knew you or your family personally, but your story truly inspires me to be the best that I can be while working out in the field every day. You will never be forgotten and your story will continue to teach countless generations how precious life can be and how important it is to never take anything for granted.

Officer L. Rodgers
Orange Police Department

August 11, 2012

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