STILESVILLE, Ind. -- The nephew of former Lake County Police Chief Gary Martin spoke to 6News on Thursday about his uncle, two days after the crash that killed him and Indiana State Police Lt. Gary Dudley.

Martin's nephew, Charles Sharp, lives in Stilesville. He learned of his uncle's death when he heard the name on TV, 6News' Dan Spehler reported.

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Nephew Remembers Officer Killed In Crash

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"Gary Martin of Merrillville caught my attention right off the bat," Sharp said. "I thought, 'No, it can't be,' then I saw his picture."

The officers were on a charity ride for Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors. Sharp knows that group and the pain of losing a beloved officer all too well.

In 1988, Sharp's father, Earl Sharp, was shot and killed while on the job as a Marion County sheriff's deputy. Gary Martin helped the Sharp family deal with the death. Earl Sharp's killing remains unsolved.

"When my dad died, he came down and took care of our family," Sharp said.

Martin's body was taken back to northwestern Indiana on Wednesday. Sharp said his thoughts are not only with his own family, but also with the others who need comfort.

"I would like to say my heart definitely goes out to the Dudley family," Sharp said.

Family members said Martin walked his daughter down the aisle at her wedding just last weekend.