SPRINGFIELD - Members of law enforcement agencies and police groups throughout the state gathered Thursday at a memorial just outside the state Capitol to honor Douglas County sheriff's Chief Deputy Tommy Martin and other officers who have died in the line of duty.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent spoke at the event, honoring Martin and another officer who died in 2007.

A crowd of uniformed officers, family members of the fallen officers and others gathered in sunny weather outside the Statehouse for the event, which included a bagpipe honor guard and a 21-gun salute.

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, attended the memorial and recalled his days in the McLean County Coroner's Office, where he occasionally worked with Martin while Martin served as a crime scene technician for the Illinois State Police.

"He was just an outstanding law enforcement official and a great human being," Brady said. "He will be greatly missed."

Martin died July 17 after spending nearly a month in a hospital. Martin was shot while responding to a home invasion call June 21 near the Hayes-Villa Grove Road.

Douglas County prosecutors allege that Yusef Kareem Brown, 24, and William B. Thompson, 27, both of Chicago, approached from the opposite direction in a stolen vehicle and opened fire.

Martin was able to radio for help. The suspects were apprehended later that day in Arcola after a hostage situation and are awaiting trial. Douglas County State's Attorney Kevin Nolan was seeking the death penalty.

Kenneth Lowe can be reached at kenneth.lowe@lee.net or 789-0865. H&R Staff Writer Herb Meeker contributed to this report.