On Tuesday, August 9, 1988, Officer Jack Martin of the Lynden Police Department suffered a fatal heart attack after being involved in a violent fight with a suspect.
Officer Martin and his partner responded to a trooper’s traffic stop as back-up. The trooper was arresting a suspect for DUI when the suspect began fighting. Three officers eventually subdued the suspect and took him into custody.
After the suspect was placed in the back of a patrol car, Officer Martin collapsed and suffered a fatal heart attack.
Martin served in law enforcement for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
On June 3, 2006, the Lynden Police Department opened a new headquarters facility, where they dedicated it to the memory of Officer Martin.
In addition to maintaining the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, Behind the Badge Foundation
delivers critical support to surviving family members after a line of duty death - from grief
resources
to financial support.