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On November 22, 1994, a gunman entered the Cold Case Squad Room at the Washington, D.C. Metro Police Station and opened fire. Special Agent Martha Dixon was in an adjacent office at the time, but she entered the room upon hearing gunfire. She wounded the perpetrator but was killed in the exchange. The gunman also killed another agent, a police sergeant and himself. One seriously wounded agent survived. Her courageous actions prevented the possibility of further injury and death.

Martha loved life. She was an avid runner and a loving family member and friend, often combining running events with special visits. She had a laser sharp sense of humor. Professionally she was foremost a dedicated Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She was an active team member in many FBI operations, acquitting herself with honor and courage.

This web site was formed by Martha's family and is dedicated to Martha's memory. It was conceived for the purpose of providing interested browsers with inspiration from her heroic life.

Martha graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982 with a degree in Chemistry. Her professional career began at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock, where she worked as a forensic chemist. She analyzed crime scenes for evidence and provided expert testimony on behalf of the State of Arkansas. Continuing education seminars at the FBI Academy in Quantico in forensic chemistry and evidence collection captured Martha's interest. The compelling concept of analyzing evidence for a federal law enforcement agency prompted her to apply to the FBI Academy. Martha soon learned that a minimum of 2 years duty as an agent was one of the requirements for placement in the FBI Crime Laboratory. She accepted the challenge and successfully completed agent training in 1987, whereupon she was assigned to the Knoxville, Tennessee Field Office.

From the beginning of her law enforcement career, Martha was a dedicated special agent. She pursued additional professional training at every opportunity, achieving qualification for high level technical surveillance and for the SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team. Her SWAT team participated in the resolution of the uprising at the Talladega Federal Correctional Institution in August of 1991 by successfully executing a forced entry into the prison, which was overtaken by the prisoners. Martha was part of the front line of assault when the prison was taken back from the rioters, and was decorated for her bravery in that action.

After 5 years in Knoxville, Martha was transferred to the Washington, D.C. Field Office of the FBI (WMFO). She was eventually assigned to the Cold Case Homicide Task Force to work with the Washington, D.C. Metro Police on old unsolved cases. Since this transfer moved her closer to Headquarters, the home of the FBI Crime Lab, Martha was considering returning to forensics work. Just prior to her death Martha was chosen to help pioneer a special group on evidence collection at WMFO. The unit is now functioning and called the Martha Dixon Martinez Evidence Response Team.

The Martha Fund is located at 933 Rockwood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15234, and can be e-mailed at Martha Fund e-mail.

This page initially developed by GetWWW'ed The Martha Fund thanks you for your kind contribution.

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