As I reflect on this day, I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. Maybe it’s the lingering pain from the intense dental work I had yesterday, or the stress of dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. My wife and I live in West Palm Beach, Florida, and while the storm’s impact was minimal where we live, the concern leading up to it was real. With updates from the National Hurricane Center constantly on my radar, I felt the pressure mounting.
But today, the discomfort I feel runs deeper than my recent dental procedure or the threat of nature’s fury. I opened my Facebook page to do some work and I saw why, a memorial to the Police Officer William J. "Billy" Martin of the Baltimore Police Department.
Today, October 10, 2024, marks the anniversary of the end of watch for Baltimore Police Officer William J. “Billy” Martin, a day that remains etched in my memory. It has been 35 years since Billy’s tragic passing in the line of duty, and yet, his impact on my life, as well as countless others, remains as vivid as ever.
Today, I’m reminded of a personal storm, one that has lingered in my heart for decades—the loss of Billy Martin.
The Man Behind the Badge
Billy wasn’t just a colleague. He was a friend, a trusted officer, and someone who profoundly shaped my career as a Baltimore Police Sergeant. When I was promoted and transferred to a new district, Billy was part of my first squad. In those early days, I learned what it meant to lead, and much of that learning came from officers like Billy, dedicated, hardworking, and fearless.
Billy stood out from the very beginning. As a ten-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department, he had earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike. He had a confidence about him, a reliability that made him my go-to choice whenever I needed someone to serve as Officer in Charge (OIC) when I wasn’t around. He didn’t just do his job; he made everyone around him better at theirs.
We worked together for about two years before I transferred back to the Northwest District. During that time, Billy and the rest of our squad taught me invaluable lessons that made me a more effective leader. But today, it’s Billy’s legacy I want to remember.
The Fateful Day
It was a routine call. One of those calls that officers in the Baltimore Police Department receive far too often, drug activity reported in an apartment building. October 10, 1989, was no different in that regard. But for Billy, it would be his last.
Billy and two other officers responded to a complaint of drug dealing at an apartment building on Pennsylvania Avenue. Billy entered the front of the building while the other back up officers approached the rear. As he walked up the stairs, a suspect ambushed him, shooting him in the head. It was a fatal blow. Billy never had a chance to react.
A back up officer quickly responded, engaging in a gunfight with the suspect, who was wounded and later arrested. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison, but no sentence could bring Billy back or ease the pain of his loss.
Billy died at the the hospital. He left behind a wife, two children, and a police department reeling from the sudden loss of one of their own.
The Aftermath
The news of Billy’s death hit me like a ton of bricks. I was at the Northwest District when I heard, and I felt my world shatter. In those moments, time stood still. The police funeral was heart-wrenching, an experience I’ll never forget. Seeing his widow and their children, their lives forever altered by the loss of a husband and father, was a moment that will stay with me for the rest of my days.
Yet, in the midst of that pain, there was also a sense of pride, a pride in having known Billy, in having worked alongside him, and in knowing the kind of officer he was. He was more than a fallen hero. He was a great police officer, a trusted friend, and someone who had left a permanent mark on all of us who knew him.
A Legacy of Strength and Sacrifice
It’s hard to articulate the lasting impact Billy had on my life. His murder, while tragic and heartbreaking, isn’t the only thing I remember about him. The lessons I learned from Billy about leadership, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to serving the community, remain with me to this day.
His influence shaped me into the officer I became, and even though I retired early due to injuries sustained in the line of duty, Billy’s memory still guides me. He helped me become a better sergeant, and for that, I will always be grateful. His sacrifice will never be overshadowed by his death.
Honoring Billy’s Memory
As I sit here, reflecting on Billy’s life and legacy, I’m reminded of the countless officers who put their lives on the line every day, never knowing if they’ll make it home. Billy was one of those officers, who answered the call to serve and protect, even when it cost him his life.
Billy Martin was only 37 when he was killed, a father of two, and a dedicated public servant. His life was cut short, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. Today, on the anniversary of his end of watch, I honor his memory and his sacrifice.
Rest easy, Billy. Your service and friendship will never be forgotten.
John Jay Wiley is the host of the nationally syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast, you can listen to podcast episodes for free on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. You can stay updated about his story and many others simply by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and most all social media platforms.
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