Slain cop had undying love for his children

Constable Justin Martin, the policeman who was murdered as he relaxed at a bar in Clarendon on August 5, has been remembered as a man who loved and adored his children.

Superintendent of Police Hopeton Nicholson, who delivered the eulogy at last Friday's funeral, said that "whenever he got any time off, and he was asked where he was going, his first response would be, 'I am going home to my children'."

The 32-year-old Martin, a past student of Albert Town High School, earned the name 'Kids dem father' during the time when he trained at the National Police College after being enlisted.

"It was obvious that he loved and adored his children," Nicholson said at the funeral, which was held at the St Peter's Anglican Church, Wait-A-Bit district, Trelawny.

Like the senior cop, Justin's brother, Colin, spoke about the bond he had with his children. He said the death of Justin means that his young children are now forced to navigate though life "without their guiding star" and their "shield of protection" that their father provided for them and the community.

"It is a devastating thought that he won't be there to cheer them on for their graduations, to advise them through life's challenges or to simply hold them close at the end of a quiet evening," his brother said.

Colin rued the fact that he never spent more time with Justin. He said that as years grew by he watched from a distance as his brother grew "from a boy with dreams into a man of action and a leader who commanded respect".

"I watched but I failed to truly see. I let life's distraction prevented me from truly knowing the exceptional man Justin had become, and for that my heart aches with remorse," Colin said.

He said the thought of his brother's young children growing up without him in their life adds to his sorrow. As he fought to hold back the tears, Colin said he will seek to stand in the breach.

"I will strive to be the protective figure your father was and ensure that you always know the magnitude of his love and his dedication and the legacy he leaves behind," he said.

Justin, ember of the the Enhanced Security Measures team in St Catherine, was among other patrons at a bar when he was approached by armed men. The constable was shot multiple times. His brother described as "a cruel irony" the fact that Justin's demise came at a place that was meant for celebration and camaraderie.

Nicholson said he was a hard-working, disciplined and valuable member of the the force and that in his seven years as a cop, he has left an "indelible mark on the JCF".

"He was killed because he was a police officer. He will be surely missed as he has significantly impacted the lives of those he was around," the senior cop said.