Pine Street Overcrossing Named In Honor of Sgt. Paul Starzyk

The bridge that crosses over Highway Four from Pine Street is now officially called the Police Sergeant Paul A. Starzyk Memorial Overcrossing, thanks to State Senate approval of a resolution sponsored by Sen. Mark Desaulnier on Tuesday.

Starzky rose up through the ranks of the Martinez police department and was a member of the SWAT team, a range master and a SWAT team instructor.

On the morning of September 6, 2008, 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.

Starzyk and his partner approached the apartment, hearing screams and gunfire. Starzyk confronted the suspect, who had already shot and killed his estranged wife’s cousin, and was threatening to kill five other people in the apartment. Starzyk was shot and mortally wounded, but managed to return fire and kill the suspect, saving the lives of the two women and three children in the apartment. He later died from his wounds.

“Sergeant Starzyk died a hero,” said DeSaulnier.  “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.”

Starzyk, 47, left behind a wife and three children. He posthumously received the Medal of Valor for his actions.

The signs designating the overcrossing will be paid for through private donations.

Words are not really sufficient to express the courage this man displayed protecting innocent women and children. He was a true hero, and deserves to be recognized as such by all Martinez residents. Naming this well-traveled overpass after him is a step in the right direction.

MEETINGS:

The City Council meets in closed session regarding 640 Court Street, beginning at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta St.

EVENTS:

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