Senate Concurrent Resolution 21(DeSaulnier) names the Hwy 4 Pine Street Overcrossing for a Martinez Hero
The State Senate has approved SCR 21 (DeSaulnier) to name the Pine Street Overcrossing that crosses State Highway Route 4 in Martinez as the “Police Sergeant Paul Starzyk Memorial Overcrossing.” Martinez Police Sergeant Paul A. Starzyk served as a full time police officer for 14 years and was tragically killed in the line of duty while protecting those he was sworn to serve. Sergeant Starzyk also served as a member of the SWAT team, he was a Range Master, and ultimately became an instructor for the SWAT team.
“Sergeant Starzyk died a hero,” said Senator Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord). “Naming this overcrossing in his honor will serve as a constant reminder to all of us that we owe a great debt to this fine officer and his family.”
On the morning of September 6, 2008, Sergeant Starzyk responded to a domestic disturbance. A man armed with a handgun terrorized patrons at a beauty salon and then forced his way into a second story apartment where his estranged wife’s cousin had sought refuge.
When Sergeant Starzyk and his cover officer arrived, they approached the apartment and heard women screaming and gun fire. Sergeant Starzyk knowingly and willing placed himself in harms way by confronting the suspect who was threatening the lives of five occupants of the apartment after shooting and killing his estranged wife’s cousin as Sergeant Starzyk and his partner approached. Sergeant Starzyk was immediately fired upon by the suspect and was critically wounded, but he was able to return fire and fatally wounded the suspect.
Sergeant Starzyk’s decisive and heroic actions saved the lives of two women and three children who were hiding in the apartment. Sergeant Starzyk did not survive his injuries making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the five occupants of the apartment. Sergeant Starzyk was awarded the Medal of Valor posthumously for his extraordinary and heroic actions. The community will forever be indebted for his sacrifice. He left behind a wife and three children.
In honor of Sergeant Starzyk’s service, the City of Martinez Police Department asked that this overcrossing be named for Sergeant Starzyk. SCR 21 requests that Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signs showing the special designation and upon receiving sufficient donations from private sources, erect the appropriate markers. The resolution need not go to the Governor for consideration as approval by the Legislature alone is sufficient.
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Sen. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) represents the Seventh Senate District, which includes most of Contra Costa County .
Michael Miiller, Communications Director
(916) 651-4007 or (916) 204-0485
michael.miiller@sen.ca.gov
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