Chief Deputy Gary L. Martin

Chief Deputy Martin was among a group of bicyclists engaged in the "Indiana Cops Riding for Indiana COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors)" fundraiser. At the time, the annual ride traveled to the four corners of Indiana and traversed approximately 1,100 miles to raise money for the Indiana Chapter of COPS.

Chief Martin and Indiana State Police Lieutenant Gary Dudley were among the strongest riders of the group, but they dropped back to encourage another less experienced rider who had fallen behind.

The equipment truck that trailed the riders was struck from behind by a larger truck and was knocked into the three riders: Chief Martin, Lieutenant Dudley, and retired Indianapolis Police Officer Spencer Moore. Chief Martin and Lieutenant Dudley were killed instantly.

Both of the fallen officers were participating in the ride as part of their official duties.

Chief Deputy Martin had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Department for three years. He also served with the City of Gary (IN) Police, for a total of 29 years of law enforcement service. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Chief Deputy Martin’s brother-in-law, Lieutenant Thurman Sharp working for the Marion County (IN) Sheriff’s Office, was killed in the line of duty on December 25, 1988.

In 2007, State Road 63 from State Road 32 to Interstate 74 in Vermillion County was dedicated the Gary E. Dudley and Gary L. Martin Memorial Highway in their honor.