BRYAN, TX — A veteran Bryan Police officer is mourning the loss of his son, and asking for donations to a local foundation.
Angel Martinez has worked for Bryan PD for 30 years, with the last 14 years as a school resource officer.
Bryan PD says they watched his son Jon Christian Martinez, who had many special needs growing up, throughout his childhood.
"Angel would bring Jon Jon into the police department several times. Everyone would have a smile. He was just a light. He was constantly smiling and happy. It brought a lot of warmth into our hearts," said Kelley McKethan of the Bryan Police Department.
Jon Jon's needs required 24/7 care but his dad never waivered.
"We watched Angel when Jon was young and Angel was a single father struggling to make sure all his son's needs were met. Angel would bring Jon Jon to the police station from time to time. Jon Jon never knew a stranger and would leave all who worked here with smiles on their faces," Bryan PD posted on Facebook.
Earlier this month, Jon Jon inhaled food into his trachea. He was deprived of oxygen too long and was put on life support.
"It's very difficult because we are a family. When it affects one of our officers, it affects us," said McKethan.
The morning of February 19th, a devastating decision to remove him from life support.
"Jon Jon was removed from life support on Wednesday, February 19th after members of the Bryan PD family, Bryan ISD family, CHI St. Joseph Health staff Jon Jon's family and friends gave Jon Jon a hero's farewell lining the halls of the hospital at 3 am for a walk of honor," the post stated.
Jon Jon never wore the uniform but members of the Brazos Valley Thin Blue Line Foundation consider him a hero too.
"He's living on in other people right now and he save the lives of others. Because of his sacrifice others may live and that to me is a hero," said Dale Cuthbertson with the non-profit.
Bryan PD is sharing Martinez's story at his request in hopes that people will donate to The Brazos Valley Thin Blue Line Foundation, an organization that helps first responders in need.
He says the organization first approached him and asked if they needed financial help with medical bills.
"I respectfully ask you to join me in donating whatever is in your heart to this organization, not only for our small need, but to put them into a position where they will be able to take your gift and use it to help them help other brothers and sister that will have a much greater financial need than us," said Martinez.
Bryan PD ended their post saying, "Our hearts, prayers, and love go to our brother in blue and his family in their time of grief. We love you, Angel!"