Chief of Police - Chief Andrew White

On behalf of the members of the Martinez Police Department, I want to welcome you to the City of Martinez Police Department’s web page.  The residents of Martinez can be very proud of this Department and the men and women who commit themselves to providing quality service and ensuring the safety of the community we serve.  I hope you find our webpage useful, and welcome to the City of Martinez.  

Badge: #98
Rank: Sergeant
End of Watch: September 6, 2008

On the morning of September 6, 2008, Sergeant Paul A. Starzyk responded to a domestic disturbance.  A male suspect armed with a handgun terrorized patrons at a beauty salon and then forced his way into a second story apartment where his estranged wife’s cousin had sought refuge.

When Sergeant Starzyk and his cover officer arrived, they approached the apartment and heard women screaming and gun fire.  Sergeant Starzyk knowingly and willing placed himself in harms way by confronting the suspect who was threatening the lives of five occupants of the apartment after shooting and killing his estranged wife’s cousin as Sergeant Starzyk and his partner approached.  Sergeant Starzyk was immediately fired upon by the suspect and was critically wounded, but he was able to return fire and fatally wounded the suspect.

Thomas Tarantino
Badge: #4
Rank: Posthumously promoted to Sergeant
End of Watch: April 21, 1973

On April 21, 1973, Officer Tarantino responded to a medical assist on Highway 4, a half mile west of Alhambra Avenue.  The person Officer Tarantino was attempting to aid attacked him and a struggle ensued.  The suspect was able to gain control of Officer Tarantino's duty weapon and shoot him.  Officer Tarantino was transported to the hospital, but later succumbed to the life threatening wounds.  Officer Tarantino leaves behind a wife and two children.