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Paul Starzyk Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Starzyk
392 Entries
Kym Navarrete
June 25, 2013
You were so kind to me. You came to the call the morning I found that my boyfriend had died next to me in bed. I was a hysterical mess. But you were kind and sat me down and asked me about the artwork on my walls; you knew it was mine. You treated me with warmth and understanding. I was devastated when I heard of your death only 3 months after my own loss. I thought of your wife and children and how they must feel. I am so so sorry for your family. The pain never goes away. I think about you often and with gratitude. Oxo Kym Navarrete
September 5, 2012
Four years tomorrow, your friendly smile is still missed around town. We miss you Paul!
September 13, 2009
Karen (Erker) Hoffman
February 16, 2009
I was very saddened to hear about Paul. I wish I had heard sooner in case there was any thing I could do to help. I meet Paul at DeKalb High, we worked together as well as were both gymnasts. I also went on to NIU & saw him quite frequently while he worked at the Jungle. I am sorry we never kept in touch after that. I didn't see him at the last reunion, which is sad, but I met Julie for the first time at the Sycamore Pumpkin parade 2007 & felt like she got me caught up on what he was doing. I hope she said Hi to him for me after that as that would be our last 'communication'. If we have our 30th class reunion, I hope I can put together some sort of tribute to him to show how he was aprreciated & that he will be missed. My deepest sympathies as I am sure you are still mourning.
Curtis Fisher
January 16, 2009
Paul you are an exceptional man. We met under unfortunate circumstances, but despite that we came to a quick understanding. You saved me from a future in prison away from my family. I only hope you know how truly grateful my entire family is to you. When there was no reason to care, you did and that means more to me than I could ever say. Thank You Paul. I hope you find eternal peace and that your kids and wife know you are the definition of a real man, husband, father. I want you to know you are always in my prayers and I will always look up to you and thank you. Im honored to have known you.
Seana Knox
December 6, 2008
Dear Ann & Marv et al,
Hillary told me about your sad news.
I wish I had the words to offer you comfort...
Alas I do not, we have many fond and happy memories of you all.
Even as time has kept us apart, you have always been close in memory.
My love and deep condolance to you all.
brian brown
November 29, 2008
Sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the kids.
Lance Gulseth
October 13, 2008
Hello, I would like to offer my condolences. I haven't seen Paul for about 20 years. I knew him in an alternate life, as we were Programmer Trainees for FMC Corporation in San Jose together. He was smart and funny and always smiling. The young people who started as trainees fresh out of college for that company were a close-knit bunch. All of us the same age, all of us in our first jobs out of college with the world ahead of us. All those young kids have gone on to do many things, but many still keep in touch and we still remember those days and Paul was a part of it. I was really sad to hear of this from another member of the Trainee group, and it really brought to my mind that big, always happy and smiling guy. I am not surprised that he would be the one to jump in and be a hero, though. Anyway, I am sorry for your loss and wanted to know there are people on whom he left an impression from long ago. You don't remember everyone you worked with from over 20 years ago, but you wouldn't forget Paul Starzyk.
Karen (Fred) Mohr
October 5, 2008
Dear Marvin, Ann, Liz, Kathy and Julie,
I send my deepest sympathies to you in the loss of Paul. I was so shocked and saddened to have read about his death in the Chronicle online. As your family babysitter many years ago, I remember all the kids so fondly. I recall Buzzy had a penchant for pestering his older sisters when the opportunity arose (and they were quite able to take care of themselves), but at the same time he always helped and watched out for Julie. I was gone from the neighborhood and DeKalb as the kids grew up, so I never had the chance to know any of you as adults. It is apparent from the overwhelming outpouring of condolences here that Paul was an exceptional individual, not only a dedicated and excellent police officer, but also extremely well liked and respected by his peers as well as his community. For him to have lost his life in the line of duty at only 47 years of age, with a wife and young children, is a terrible and tragic loss for all. My sincerest prayers are with all of you, his wife and children, and the community he served so heroically. My mother, your former DeKalb neighbor Virginia Fred, also extends her heartfelt condolences for your loss.
John Kuney
October 2, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers for Shannon, Vincent, Jacob and Jessica; Paul's family, his parents Marvin and Ann, his sisters Elizabeth, Kathryn and Julia; and Shannon's family. I am an acquaintance of Julie's from her college days at NIU.
Paul was, is and forever will be a Great Americam Hero in all regards!
May Paul rest in peace and God's light perpetual shine upon him.
John Kuney
DeKalb, IL
Timothy McGonigle, Legal Analyst
September 24, 2008
On behalf of the Legal Department of The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. As ABC being a law enforcement agency, the loss of Officer Starzyk is painfully felt throughout the Department.
Shooting the South Fork of the American River in Northern CA. circa 1988
September 23, 2008
Shooting the South Fork of the American River in Northern CA. circa 1988
September 23, 2008
Nubia Zamora
September 22, 2008
Shannon,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Paul was a great man. I was fortunate to have met him. He chose you to be his wife, best friend and mother of his children, a precious gift. You and your children made him extremely happy. He will always be in our hearts. He will be your guardian angel smiling from above. If you need anything let me know any day or time. May God bless you and the children and give you strength during this difficult time. Sending you all my hugs and prayers.
Love you.
Carla Wilson
September 22, 2008
Shannon:
My deepest sympathy for you and your family during this terrible time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nurse Carla (MDF)
Sophie Liautaud (Paul's Niece)
September 22, 2008
Saying Uncle Paul just sounds weird. I always called him Uncle Buzzy. He was the best uncle anyone could ever have. Also the strongest uncle. I miss him so much and will never forget him. Never ever.
I love you Auntie Shannon and Vincent, Jacob, and Jessica.
Animal Services Officer A. Hegler
September 20, 2008
Sgt. Staryzk,
You are a hero. Thank you for serving the community of Martinez, and the Citizens of Contra Costa County.
John Lowden CCCSO
September 19, 2008
To Shannon and Family,
I met Paul in 1994 at the police academy. I reflect now at his large presence and gentle personality. In our group he was the one who had the "When I was a reserve" stories. Paul was a special person who will always be remembered for his devotion to duty, and his passion for law enforcement. He proved to be a real American Hero. I will miss our occasional lunches, comparing career progression stories; the random stops at Starbucks as we were starting/ending our shifts, and of course seeing him posted up on Center waiting for someone to roll a stop sign. Paul will forever be in our hearts and on our minds, as he has etched a piece of himself into his friends, loved ones and the community he proudly served. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you, and always remember you have a legion of people who are here to support you. God Bless.
Debbie (Crumbacher) Coffland
September 19, 2008
Liz and I were friends in middle school and high school. We used to obsess over horses like Secretariet and Man of War. Paul was that pesky little brother who kept wanting to come in and play. It was cute. It sounds like he grew up to be a very special person who touched so many lives. My heart goes out to Liz and her family and to Paul's wife and children. You are in prayers.
With My Deepest Sympathy,
September 18, 2008
Richard Powell
September 18, 2008
I’d like to give my condolences to the Starzyk family. I grew up in Dekalb, IL with Paul and his sister Julie. Though I haven’t heard much from them, they have been a part of me.. God bless
Police Officer Contra Costa County
September 16, 2008
Shannon and Family,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your beautiful family since the tragic day that Paul left us. I know there are no words that can come close to soothing the pain. Although none of this makes sense to us right now, rest assured that it will someday.
Someone once compared something like this to the underside of a cloth lace doilie. The underside is all tangled and makes no sense. The upside is beautifully woven and a work of art. Not until we get to that other side, will we be able to make sense of all this.
To your children: Remember to look to the stars. Daddy will always be with you…
As police officers, we have to rely on our “sixth sense” when confronting dangerous situations. I am comforted that Paul will be with us and will be that sixth sense when we face certain dangers…
God bless you and your beautiful family
Angel
September 16, 2008
I did not know Sgt. Paul Starzyk but I am the daughter of an officer, my mother and I were together when we heard what had happened and our hearts were broken. This is a time for us all to realize the importance of life and to honor & respect our officers for the selfless job they do. To Sgt. Starzyks family may you find comfort in your memories and know that your husband/father will forever be remembered as a hero.
sparacino john
September 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Scoop
September 14, 2008
Shannon, I wish I had the words to comfort you and your three beautiful children. I did not know your husband personally, but I use to see him coming into traffic court. Your husband was obviously an exceptional police officer and a human being coming from all of these comments I’ve been reading on a daily basis, even the people he had arrested. You know where to find me if you ever need me for anything.
September 14, 2008
Hi Shannon,
I do not know you and did not have the opportunity to know your husband. I am the girlfriend of a brand-new police officer in the Bay Area and just want to thank you for your service in Contra Costa County and for your husband's service in Martinez. I fully support law enforcement and am deeply grateful for your husband's service. Please find the strength to continue in law enforcement, if that is what you would like to do, and remain strong for your three children.
M Stiefvater
September 14, 2008
Paul began his law enforcement career just a few months prior to me, yet he always seemed to handle himself as though he had five or more years on me. He was just that good -- a real natural when it came to law enforcement. I remember on one occasion sitting next to him in the lobby of the courthouse. Paul leaned in and pointed out to me several of the defendants milling about that were "spun." I was amazed at how he had that ability to so easily evaluate people who were under the influence -- and I knew Paul was right because I had seen the tens of people he had evaluated and arrested for being under the influence while he worked in Pleasant Hill.
Another memory I have of Paul was him shaking his head when I muffed up my tactical approach to a house where we were conducting a parole search. I knew Paul was right -- I had screwed up. Afterwards, I had wanted to show him that I could make a proper tactical approach in a similar situation, but the opportunity never materialized.
Paul always seemed to be in top physical condition. I recall Paul running up with the Special Olympics Torch in his hand as he passed it off from Martinez PD to Pleasant Hill PD. Paul seemed like he was not even breathing hard even tough he had just run several miles in the torch run.
One last image I wanted to share was Paul strolling into Matt's backyard in Antioch carrying several Black and Tans (beer). We all hung out that day by Matt's pool, drinking Paul's Black and Tans and sharing cop stories.
Thank you Starzyk family for sharing Paul. He was a quality individual. I considered him to be one of my mentors -- he really did make a difference.
Sue Krusbe-Farris
September 14, 2008
Dear Starzyk family, I was so saddened to read about Paul in the local (DeKalb) Daily Chronicle. I truly am so sorry for your loss. Paul and I were in the same class together at DeKalb H.S. ('79). Every morning for 4 years I sat with him in "home room". He was the reason our days in H.S. started off great. He joked, made us laugh, but never in a "show-off way". He also was a TRUE gentleman even at the ages of 14, 15, 16 and 17. I see he remained true to form through the years, and continues to leave many imprints on all those that knew him. May God hold you all tightly. Sincerely, Sue Krusbe-Farris.
lynnette tarantino
September 13, 2008
with the deepest sympathy to the family and the martinez police dept., sgt paul starzyk is now standing duty with my husband, sgt thomas tarantino, martinez police dept. my husband died in the line of duty in april of 1973. I know paul will be in good hand's. shannon, we haven't meant and I'm so sorry for your loss. the dept will watch over you like they have done for me and my two children. I sent you a card with a letter. my phone number is on it. when you have time call me. god bless you and your children.
Wife of a Contra Costa Sargeant.
September 13, 2008
To Shannon and the Martinez Police Department..
Being a wife of a police officer, I hope you know that their life wouldn't be complete without doing what they LOVE. God has a special calling for those to protect and serve. I hope you find comfort knowing that everyone has you in their thoughts and prayers. Seeing the procession of officers was truly breathtaking. Shannon words can't express what you must be going through. May you find comfort knowing Paul was an exceptional officer with so much dedication to his comunity and to his fellow officers. To the childre, know that daddy is looking down at tou with the biggest smile. To the Martinez Police Department... May you find comfort in each other and continue to look out for your fellow "brother".
Make sure you kiss your damily's goodbye and always tell them you love them.
Kim Woods
September 13, 2008
To the family, friends and MPD.
We are very sorry for the tragic loss of Paul. There are no words that one can say to comfort you right now, just know that he was a great man and the entire community of Martinez is praying for your family to try to give you the strength to help you get through this tragic loss. There is an emptiness/sadness that is felt in our community daily.
you will be forever in our thoughts and prayers, may he rest in peace.
Terri
September 13, 2008
Dear Starzyk family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Although I did not know Sgt. Paul Starzyk personally, I am so very thankful for his courage and dedication to serve and protect the public. I pray you will find peace in the memories you have of your life together.
Catina Schmidt
September 13, 2008
To the Starzyk Family:
May God hold and protect you and your children in this tragic time. I did not know you Paul or your family but I am deeply saddened and torn by this loss. I look at your photo and I see my husband, my brother, and a friend; ultimately gone. I mourn for your wife, your children. I pray that God will grant your wife, and your children peace in time. You are in the best of hands now, it is the ones who are left that we must take care of. May you rest in eternal peace in the Hands of our Heavenly Father. The Schmidt Family
deputy sheriff, manuel flores
September 13, 2008
may you find comfort in gods word. our deepest sympathy for your loss as paul was doing the job he so loved in protecting the community he served from harms way. god bless you and the department.
Lori Berkes-Nelson
September 13, 2008
My prayers are with everyone living with the loss of Paul. When I think of Buzz, I think of a young boy who wouldn't leave Kathy and me alone when I would stay overnight. He was always a boatload of fun and laughs.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I am most impressed with the life Buzz led as a man, an officer, a husband and father.
Kathy, if you see this please contact me. I don't have your new information. Peace, Lori
Ashiana Khan
September 13, 2008
Sgt. Paul Starzyk,
You were a true hero. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. May you rest in peace.
Janice G
September 13, 2008
There's a song in the old Gospel Pearl that goes: If I can Help Somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody they're traveling wrong, Then my living shall not be in vain. Paul was a co-worker for just a short time @ PHPD, but his foot prints and smile remained. God called and he answered. To his family and many friends, find comfort in knowing that his living was not in vain.
Myleene Bosch
September 12, 2008
Words can not describe how sorry we are about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Bosch Family
DIANE SERPA
September 12, 2008
MAY THE ANGELS BE WITH YOU IN YOUR MOST DEVASTATING TIME. I WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY AND OFFICER STARZYK IN MY PRAYERS.
Lynn Hansford
September 12, 2008
I worked with Paul at Bank of America. Although I didn't know him well I remember him as enthusiastic about his job and also enthhusiastic when he was changing his career. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Mark Gagan
September 12, 2008
We will not forget.
Dena Doherty
September 12, 2008
To Shannon, and the Starzyk family:
The services yesterday were beautifully fitting for one of our LEO family's finest.
You will remain in our thoughts and prayers and we wish nothing but the best for you and the children.
Paul was a true hero and will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Doherty
Traci
September 12, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Piedad & Angelo Fracasso
September 12, 2008
Our prayers and sympathys go out to the Starzyk family. To be a police officer and put his life on the line each day to make a difference in other people's lives is truly a blessing to all who knew him. He will be missed and his courage never forgotten. God Bless You All
joseph japuntich
September 12, 2008
Dear Family
I knew Paul from troop 5 Ellwood school in Dekalb, he was a wonderful scout and a person. It sounds as though He continued as a husband , father and officer. You are in our prayers,may the Lord give you comfort at this most difficult time.
Joe and Nina{Mustari} Japuntich
Arthur Tellez
September 12, 2008
Sgt. Starzyk,
Thank you for your scrafice. We will always be grateful to you for protecting us. God Bless your family.
Robin Walsh Grimm
September 12, 2008
Our hearts and thoughts go out to Paul's family, friends, coworkers and the law enforcement brotherhood. His bravery and heroism will be forever remembered.
I only had two opportunities to spend time with Paul and our mutual friends over the past twenty years. However, on both occasions, it was easy to see what a great man he was and in what deep esteem he was held by others. It is an honor to have known him.
R Holcomb
September 12, 2008
Every day cops go out into this horrible world not knowing if they will ever come home again to their own families. They do this because they know that it's a job that has to be done in order to make it safer for their own kids and ours to grow up in. I can't say enough how it sad it is that a HERO lost his life. Paul was a Hero a Dad and a Husband. GOD bless his family and Martinez PD help them through this hard time.
Christi (Sherman) Brooker
September 12, 2008
Words cannot express my saddness and sympathy to Pauls family. I probably haven't seen Paul in 20 years. I grew with him in DeKalb IL. We went to school together from kindergarten through high school. He was always able to make me laugh putting a smile on everyones face. It sounds like he continued to make an impact on many people lives, like he has touch so many of us from our childhood. My prayers go out to Pauls family and friends. God Bless you.
Heather
September 12, 2008
Starzyk Family- I am so sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. Please know, although we don't know each other, my thoughts and prayers are with you through this tragic event. I wish you peace, tranquility, and I hope the dark clouds part with time. May he rest in peace.
Jane (Thompson) Mitchell
September 12, 2008
Paul & I were in homeroom together at DHS (Dekalb H.S.) & shared "locker space" for 4 years. He was a wonderful friend and always brought a smile to the conversation. He will be terribly missed! God Bless his children and family...
R. Duvall
September 12, 2008
Many people learn to be leaders. Few are born leaders. Paul was a born leader. It was an honor to have the opportuinity to work with such a great man. May God watch over Shannon and her family.
Jeff Herrington
September 12, 2008
My condolences to the Starzyk family. I lost it at the funeral, hearing Shannon cry during the medal of valor presentation. I never got to work with him but many of my coworkers did and speak so highly of Paul.
May (Burdine) Russo
September 12, 2008
My prayers are with Paul Starzyk's family. It takes a special person to work in law enforcement and do the kind of work they do to protect the citizens of their community. My father was also a member of the Martinez Police Department many years ago also. I am sure he and Paul are together now.
God Bless You All
Palomino Family
September 12, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tama
September 12, 2008
Being born and raised in the area , hearing of this news was heartbreaking , my prayers are with the family in this very difficult time .
WILLIAM BONNAT
September 12, 2008
MY FAMILY AND I EXPRESS OUR PRAYERS TO YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU AND SEMPER FI.
CONCORD FEDERAL POLICE OFFICER
PHIL & SHEILA HOGAN
September 12, 2008
TO THE STARZYK FAMILY OUR CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR LOST, MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND OFFICER STARZYK PARENTS AND SISTER NOT ONLY HAS A GREAT HUMAN BEING LOST HIS LIFE BUT THEY ALSO LOST A SON,A BROTHER, A HUSBAND AND MOST OF ALL A FATHER! YOU ALL WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS.
ROCHELLE.
September 11, 2008
TO SGT. STARZYK'S FAMILY AND ALSO TO THE MARTINEZ POLICE DEPARTMENT. I AM TRULY SORRY FOR THE TRAGIC LOSS. HE WAS TRULY ONE OF MARTINEZ'S FINEST. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE MTZ POLICE DEPARTMENT/TO HIS FAMILY.. I REMEMBER SEEING SGT. STARZYK A COUPLE OF TIMES WHEN I WAS STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL BACK IN ALHAMBRA AND HE WOULD ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE. WE [WHOLE COMMUNITY OF MTZ] WILL MISS YOU.
RIP!
Ivan Krpan
September 11, 2008
To the entire Starzyk family. A group of us from DeKalb, IL were together just last week and we were discussing where former classmates ended up and how they were doing in life. Paul's name came up and all we could come up with is that he had ended up in California. I was completely stunned to open the newspaper the other morning to see Paul's name in the obituary page. I am so sorry for all, Paul's mom and dad, Paul's sisters (went to school with sister Kathy for years) and to read that he had a wonderful wife and 3 children of his own.
I had the opportunity to get to know Paul as he followed in the grade just behind me first at at St. Mary's School in DeKalb and later at DeKalb High School. Even Paul as an altar boy, he was nearly perfect which helped us get a few extra weddings to serve at. Later I would get the chance to work with Pauly at a local college bar, The Jungle. I as the DJ and Paul as the always smiling and smirking bartender and bouncer and Paul always had your back even back then. It was good having Paul around especially when he tried to talk a situation down and many times very successful. Paul always had a few songs he'd ask to have played while setting up or cleaning up as he smiled with a fresh poured beverage in one hand.
Good days and good times and I just had a feeling that Paul was headed for a great life. Paul is one of those people you never forget once you have had the opportunity to meet him and get to know him. After reading the many condolences in this guest book, I see that Paul touched many, many people with his life. To his wife and children my prayers are with you as you move forward but it looks like you have a great extended family in Martinez and Antioch who very much respected and loved Paul. Paul in deed turned out to be the hero that so many of us wish we could be one day and you should be very proud of him.
They always say that you can measure how a person lived one's life and how they touched others by how many people show up to their funeral and I would have to say that at only the young age of 47, Paul Starzyk did touch many lives for the better and will be remembered for a long time by those he touched. God Bless you Paul and thanks for some great memories and times.
Ivan Krpan
Donna Hoffman
September 11, 2008
I'am so very sorry for your loss of a wonderful person, he dedicated his life to help and be there for people he knew nothing about, with that he lost his life. Now I say, that is your Hero, our Hero and now God's Hero... May you be able to find peace in your soul and know that this man did what he needed to do, be there fo others! May God bless you and your's and we will never forget the sacrifice you have made! Much love
Ed & Julia Garcia
September 11, 2008
Shannon, Vincent, Jacob & Jessica - The loss of Paul to us all is tragic and heartbreaking. Please find comfort in knowing how many lives Paul touched. As your old next door neighbor we remember the good times, the smiles and his love for you and the kids. May God Bless you all!
Diana patenaude
September 11, 2008
My condolenses to a brave man who was doing his job..we hope his family are doing well in this time of grief. Thank you for protecting the city of Martinez. You will not be forgotten. I wish your family well.
Bud
September 11, 2008
To the Wife and Children of Paul Starzyk
Your husband and father is an American hero; he did his work with courage, honor, and integrity, and there is not enough thanks we can give to him nor is there enough solace we can offer you, his family, May he rest in peace and may you find the hope and comfort from the many family, friends, and community who he unselfishly protected and served. God bless you
deputy manuel flores
September 11, 2008
my heartfelt condolences to the Paul Starzyk Family. He paid the ultimate price for a job we all love to do as we are a special chosen few. May you find comfort in our savior and turn to him. God Bless you
Cadet Kevin White
September 11, 2008
You will be greatly missed! Thanks for serving and protecting our community! There is nothing more we can do to thank you! Watch out after the men and women in blue! Good Bless!
Nick kalodimos
September 11, 2008
God Bless you Paul .
You were a keeper.
Maritess MDF nurse
September 11, 2008
Shannon & family,
Many thoughts & words run in my head, yet I have trouble typing it out. I can only express my deepest condolences and to thank you and the rest of the family for having shared a hero such as Sgt. Paul. He has touched many lives and is a big inspiration to many of us. Through his loved ones and friends his spirit will continue to live on. You are all in our prayers in this time of sorrow and healing. Shannon...a.k.a. Wimberly, my heart goes out to you and the children. May the Lord give you comfort and peace through this time of grief.
Charles Tennenbaum
September 11, 2008
I knew Paul when he worked at the pavilion, and we became great friends. What people are saying about him now is what I knew about him some 17 years ago.
As time and life took us in different directions, Paul apparently never swayed from being a truly quality human.
He will be missed by all who ever had the chance to meet and know him.
Dave Sage (Retired MPD)
September 11, 2008
I worked with Paul when he was a reserve officer and after he hired on. He is a wonderful person and had a large impact on the lives of many. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with Paul, his family and the MPD family.
Tracey Downing
September 11, 2008
For a true hero who paid the ultimate price - You will never be forgotten and your family will always be loved and cared for!!
Mike and Genoa
September 11, 2008
Shannon,
Words cannot express the shock and sadness we felt upon hearing of Paul's passing. Paul gave the ultimate sacrifice for his community. My gosh, what a hero! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I cannot begin to recognize your pain. Your law enforcement family is here for you, Michael and I are here for you. God bless you. You are a strong and courageous woman and we admire you.
James Valentine
September 11, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this tragedy. I can only say from a fellow brother that he gave his life to save others. I am sorry for your loss.
A retired Sunnyvale officer
Mike And Sgt. Kristi Butterfield
September 11, 2008
Shannon, Vincent, Jake and Jess,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Paul died doing what he does best, protecting. We will thank him everyday for his service.
I love you sister.....
Danny and Audra Jones
September 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt Starzyk's wife and beautiful children. May God ease your pain and suffering and be with you always.
Rich and Deb Becker
September 11, 2008
What a terrible shock. It is difficult to convey our deep sadness, but our thoughts and love are with you. We are praying for your family.
The highest tribute to the dead is not grief, but gratitude. - Thornton Wilder
carl fischer
September 11, 2008
My wife and I were so saddened to hear of the loss of a fine officier. We take for granted that these special people risk their lives every day to keep us safe.
Anonymous
September 11, 2008
Officer Starzyk busted a drug dealer in our Martinez neighborhood. He was always professional and wasted no time checking out the neighborhood when suspected activity was happening. I did get to thank him for that. To his wife and children, your husband, and father will be missed by all in the community. May he rest in peace.
September 11, 2008
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE...YOU CAN REST IN PEACE FOR WE WILL TAKE OVER NOW AS IT IS OUR TURN TO CONTINUE THE LEGACY TO SERVE AND PROTECT.
WALTER GUADALUPE
September 11, 2008
THANK YOU PAUL STARZYK FOR BEING A HERO YOU R LOST BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY
Ryan Huddleston
September 11, 2008
RIP Sergant. Your a hero to everyone. God bless you and your family.
Mike Poppe
September 11, 2008
From one officer to another, you paid the ultimate price and god be with you. May your family heal and remember the love of a husband, father and friend. My prayers are with you.
Lisa DeMerritt
September 11, 2008
I met Paul when I used to work as a Dispatcher at Martinez PD. He lit up the department with his great smile and personality. How fitting for a true hero to be laid to rest on September 11th. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and my former co-workers.
Deborah Sandler
September 11, 2008
As a family law attorney, I have always been so grateful to the police and bailiffs who protect all of us, especially from domestic violence. This is a terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Shawn Spencer
September 11, 2008
Shannon and family,
I had to honor to serve with Paul while at PHPD and for a short time while working narcotics. Paul was a great officer and a good friend. I am so sorry for his loss. Paul was a natural when it came to police work and he made many good friends along the way. I will always remember him.
September 11, 2008
Sergeant Paul Starzyk, I'am sorry for all the grief your family & friends are going through at this time of thier lives there is much sorrow for the loss of your life including the other two lives as well, one of them being very close to me. Despite this horrific tragedy I would like to thank you for saving my Aunts life, may GOD bless you and your family.
MARTINEZ POLICE
J Tylor
September 11, 2008
YOU ARE A HERO IN ALL OF OUR EYES & HEARTS!
REST IN PEACE, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!
Martinez resident
September 11, 2008
I am so honered to say that I have been a Martinez resident since 1979. I grew up in this small town and remember officer Starzyk. He started in 1992 my sophmore year of high school. I always recived a smile from him when passing and I always felt protected by all of the MPD! I do remember most your your faces expecially Starzyk. When my father passed away last August in our Garage Starzyk was the first officer on the scene. I was totally hysterical but the compassion that I saw in officer Starzyk was enough to calm me down enough in order give him my father's health history. When I was giving him the information he needed he smiled at me and told me that I was gonna be ok. Having a Officer say that ment more to me then anyone will ever know!!
The day that this horrific event took place I was on my way to the Marina to drop my neice off at the "people fest" a evengalical event were a few Christian's from around the world come togather to try and bring communities twards CHRIST. When I saw the crime scene on pacheco my heart droped but I felt JESUS there and I still do. Please remember that we are @ war with a enemy that comes in to kill and destory but the blood of Jesus is powerfull enough to bring good out of any tragedy the Devil creates. The presents of the HOLY SPIRIT is strong in Martinez and God is moving through our beautifull town!! Something good will come out of this and please trust that we will all be togather someday!!! God Bless you all!!! Fellow MTZ resident
Scott Gordon
September 11, 2008
To the Starzyk family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gordon Family
Scott Gordon - PPD #170 Retired
Henrik Hulten
September 11, 2008
To the Starzyk family and the MPD,
My thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. No words can express the loss you feel today. But this sense of loss will, over time, be replaced by profound pride over what Sgt. Starzyk accomplished in his life and what he mean to his family, freinds, colleagues and the Martinez community at large.
As long as we remember Sgt. Starzyk, he lives on.
Jocelyn Samson
September 11, 2008
For you Sgt.Paul Starzyk, you are truly a hero. May you rest in peace.
For the family of Sgt. Starzyk, my deapest sympathy. May God gives you strength and courage to face the sudden death of your beloved Paul.
RACHEL FERNANDES
September 11, 2008
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. YOUR FAMILY/FRIENDS ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Steve Bodda
September 11, 2008
Paul and I grew to become great friends in DeKalb, IL as we worked and went to high school and college together.. I can recall having a lot of long talks with Paul as we drove around the cornfields of DeKalb on Friday nights talking about what we wanted to do after we graduated from NIU and moved on. Our lives and career choices took us in different diirections and we eventually lost touch with each other over the years. Although Paul and I lost touch over the years, I often wondered what he had ended up doing with his life and career.
I am shocked and extremely saddened by the tragedy of these events. My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the entire Starzyk family, especially his wife and children.
Thank God for heroes like Paul.
Rest in Peace, Buzz.
N SANCHEZ
September 11, 2008
ALL HEROS GO TO HEAVEN, PLEASE TELL MY DADDY HI FOR ME WHEN YOU GET THERE....I'M TRULY SORRY.
Jerome Sigua
September 11, 2008
Prayers to Sgt. Starzyk's family and friends and may he rest in peace. You are a hero. God bless all law enforcement and emergency services personnel.
Lara DeLaney
September 11, 2008
To the Starzyk Family,
With the loss of Sergeant Starzyk, the Martinez Police Department lost one of our finest officers, a true hero in every sense of the word. He embodied the best of law enforcement and the best of public service. I have no doubt that he was also the best man, son, father, and husband anyone could hope to know. I am sorry I did not know him better, but I am more sorry that you will miss the many days that were stolen from his life. He will be greatly missed by the community.
May you find peace in remembering all the good times and love you shared with this remarkable man.
CRAIG FURLONG
September 11, 2008
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YES YOU ARE A HERO!
CRAIG FURLONG DPO III
CONTRA COSTA CO.
Jan Holmes
September 11, 2008
My prayers will remain with Paul's family. To the kids, your dad will always be a hero in every way! He will never really leave you, and will always be an angel on your shoulder. Your mom can tell you what advice he could give you, and she will always remind you how very much he loves you! God bless all of you.
Craig & Aimee Stevens
September 11, 2008
Shannon and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. Your husband is a hero. May God bless you and give you strength.
Craig and Aimee Stevens (SRPD)
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