• Hinds County Deputy Martin Luther Shields Jr., 37, was fatally shot on Feb. 23 while responding to a domestic dispute call.
• Hundreds of people, including Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, attended Shields’ funeral to pay their respects.
• Shields was remembered as a dedicated officer and a loving husband and father.
• Colleagues from various law enforcement agencies shared stories about Shields’ character and commitment to service.

Tears and laughter flowed freely Sunday at the Jackson Revival Center as family, friends and law enforcement officials from around the state gathered to say their goodbyes to fallen Hinds County Deputy Martin Luther Shields Jr., who was killed Feb. 23.

The celebration of life service for the 37-year-old deputy was held Sunday afternoon, a week after Shields was fatally shot on the evening of Feb. 23 while responding to a domestic dispute call at a home on Midway Road in Terry.

Born on July 14, 1987, Shields dedicated his life to serving his community and protecting his fellow citizens. This was evident in the hundreds of people who showed up to pay their respects, including Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves.

“We gather here today not just to mourn the loss of a hero who gave his life in service to his community, but we also come here today to celebrate a life well-lived. (Shields) represents the very best of Mississippi,” Reeves said. “Shields will never be forgotten.”

The family and friends of Shields were led in by a procession of law enforcement officials who entered the sanctuary in a double-file line. They approached the alter where Shields lay in a casket, one side open to reveal his serene face, the other side closed and draped with an American flag, symbolizing his service and sacrifice.

Surrounding his casket were beautiful flowers, a representation of the love and admiration that surrounded Shields inside the sanctuary. Loved ones took their time saying their goodbyes before the casket was closed completely, a moment that was met with tears and sorrow.

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Martin was educated in the Jackson Public School District, graduating from Lanier High School in 2006. He attended Hinds Community College before pursuing his true passion in law enforcement at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy, graduating in 2016. Martin had an extensive career in law enforcement working at Jackson State University, Jackson Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, where Shields served until his death.

Martin leaves behind his wife, Kristian, and his daughter, Aubrey. Martin also survived his father, Martin Shields Sr., and his mother, Marcie Levy.

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said Shields was not only a member of the law enforcement family but a beacon of commitment, a protector and a friend to the communities in which he served.

“Job well done thy faithful servant,” Jones said, directing his comments to the fallen officer. “You will forever be a part of us. May your legacy live on in the many lives that you’ve touched.”

What did people say about Martin Shields Jr.?

Jones was one of several speakers at the service who spoke highly of Shields, not only as a dedicated deputy and a loyal classmate but, most importantly, as a person. Their words painted a picture of a man who was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said that over the three years employed with the JPD, Shields did not just show up to work but to work hard, serving citizens of Jackson located in Precinct 1 of South Jackson. Wade noted Shields received the “I am COJ (City of Jackson) Award” for his heroic actions in administering NARCAN to an individual, saving their life.

Wade said when Shields accepted the award, Shields stated, “I just get out here to do my job. I really don’t like looking forward to any awards, just making people smile is the best thing that I can do.”

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Wade presented a plaque to the family to commemorate Shields’ service to the city of Jackson. Wade also presented to the family a “Shadow Box” containing Shields’ badge and ID from his tenure with Jackson police.

“God bless you, and we will continue to keep you uplifted in our prayers,” Wade said to the family.

Ridgeland Police Corp. Phillip Kendrick fondly recalled working night shift rotations with Shields, a time when the duo was affectionately nicknamed “Bad Boys” by the people they encountered.

“You couldn’t see him without me and vice versa,” Kendrick said.

Hinds County Sgt. Ronnie Hubbard, who supervised Shields for eight months, described him as a highly dependable individual who exemplified the best qualities of wearing a badge. Hubbard said Shields embodied courage, passion and unwavering commitment to being a public servant.

“Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. Rest in peace knowing that your service made a difference,” Hubbard said.

Anthony Brown, Jr. and Robert Jones III recognized as friends of Shields said, “to know Martin is to love him unconditionally.”

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Several agencies were in attendance, including the Hattiesburg Police Department, Madison Police Department and Leake County Sheriff’s Office. Pastor Jennifer Biard delivered the eulogy.