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Incident
Sergeant Paul Starzyk was shot and killed while responding to a shots fired call at a local hair salon.
The salon owner's estranged husband had entered the business with a weapon looking for the woman. As he searched the salon he fired several shots.
As responding officers arrived at the scene, they exchanged shots with the man and Sergeant Starzyk was struck. Sergeant Starzyk was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspect was killed by gunshots wounds fired by Sergeant Starzyk and a responding canine officer.
Sergeant Starzyk was a 12-year veteran of the Martinez Police Department.
Sergeant Starzyk was a 12-year veteran of the Martinez Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Starzyk gave the Martinez Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Martinez community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Starzyk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Martinez Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Paul is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2008, 5 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2008, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2008, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 47. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Paul had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 47. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 47. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 16.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Martinez Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Martinez Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Martinez Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
