Page 44 - February 2020 FOP Magazine

Performing holiday miracles in the 3rd District
You can likely recall the childhood memories of Christmas past easily — if not the experiences themselves, then no doubt the emotions. Look to your left, and there’s a toy kitchen set bigger than your tiny, toddler self. To your right, you pick up a box of action figures that barely fits in your arms. Thanks to the efforts of Officer Rolz Martinez and the 3rd Dis- trict, these will be the lasting memories for a family who experienced the un- imaginable.
A burglary brought the prospect of running down the stairs on Christmas morning to a screeching halt for a family in 003, just days before the holiday. The space under the Christmas tree was left bare — and other items were taken from the home as well. As soon as Officer Mar- tinez responded to the incident, he knew that this distressing crisis needed to be met with an equally shocking blessing. So he went home with his family and be- gan to share the story.
The officer hopped online and ordered replicas of some of the stolen items. Un- der his watch, these children would still have a Christmas with presents to open,
no matter what. When it came time for delivery, Martinez acting as Santa with wrapped presents in tow, the family could not believe the generosity.
“This came as a total surprise,” Jazmyn Sharona, one of the family members, shared on Facebook. “I cannot say enough how much we appreciate CPD and Officer Martinez. We felt complete- ly broken and vulnerable once this hap- pened. We truly thought Christmas was over, until we were blessed with Officer
Martinez.”
But the Christmas miracle didn’t stop
with the gifts. Members of the 3rd Dis- trict also stepped in and fed the family dinner, with a gracious donation from their community partners at The Local Market. This was sure to be a Christmas to remember — one full of selflessness, giving and altruism.
“We love you,” Sharona gushed. “Blessings to the entire department.”
44 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ FEBRUARY 2020