End of Watch: 08/09/1988
Agency: Lynden Police Department
County: Whatcom County
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.