CHICAGO – Family, friends, classmates and officers gathered Thursday evening for a mass dedicated to Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez, who was killed during a traffic stop Monday.

His best friend and fellow officer, Andres Naranjo, shared his memories of their bond and commitment to service.

Martinez, 26, grew up in the West Lawn neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side. He attended St. Nicholas School in Tolentine from kindergarten to eighth grade, where he met his best friend, Naranjo.

Their friendship lasted 22 years, built on jokes, shared stories and a mutual commitment to service.

“We took police work very seriously and with a lot of pride. It was something very important to us, especially because we could help the community and help others,” Naranjo said.

Naranjo served with the Chicago Police Department for five years.

Martinez would have marked his third year on the force on Dec. 27, but his life was cut short Monday night while on duty in Chicago.

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“I was numb. I was just kind of frozen. It’s really amazing that someone that I knew so close to me, so personally, to have this happen to him so unexpectedly,” Naranjo said.

Martinez also leaves behind an older brother, who is a police officer, and a younger sister. All three siblings grew up in West Lawn and attended St. Nicholas.

“He would make you smile when he walked into the room. He was well-liked by his classmates and teachers,” said school principal Mariagnes Menden.

Martinez was recently engaged, loved animals and owned two dogs. He had big dreams and always wanted to become a police officer.

“He always wanted to be a police officer. Ever since we were kids, he did it…I could have sworn there was a Halloween costume he dressed up as a police officer one year,” his classmate said Jahaida Figueroa. “He was so alive, just, he was great.”

Funeral services for Martinez have not yet been announced.