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GREENSBORO — Retirement never really suited Tommy Martin.

The veteran police officer retired in 2002 from the Illinois State Police and for two years, the coffee with his buddies just wasn’t cutting it.

He still had the itch to don the badge and took the post as chief deputy with the Douglas County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office in 2004.

Helping pick up the slack with a small staff, he responded to a home invasion call on June 21, 2007.

Spotting the suspects fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle, he went after them. The suspects opened fire, shooting Martin twice. He died in the hospital nearly a month later.

It was his family’s worst nightmare and the difficult events that followed took their toll.

The funeral. The paperwork. The insurance claims. The financial shock wave that struck suddenly.

But thanks to a strong family support group, Martin’s son, Daniel Martin, and his mother Suzanne Specchio, of Greensboro were able to get by.

Now, through the Tommy K. Martin Police Benefit Fund founded last summer, they want to help other families of fallen law enforcement officers.

This Saturday, backers will hold their first fundraising event in Greensboro, with a cornhole tournament and donation drive at Buffalo Wings and Rings off New Garden Road.

House and Senate Democrats now have to work out a compromise on extending a stopgap spending measure for North Carolina state government before it expires Wednesday night.

“You don’t anticipate (having a loved on killed in the line of duty) — and it’s really an emotional and financial burden,” said Specchio, who formally worked with Greensboro police as a victim’s advocate.

“I wanted to be able to send the families enough money to get them through the first few months so they wouldn’t have to worry.”

Since its inception last summer, the nonprofit has generated more than $4,000 — mostly through word of mouth — and has assisted more than 30 families of fallen officers.

Specchio said after Tom’s death, her family spent $600 on stamps for thank you cards from the many people who helped the family through the difficult time.

She hopes the money will go a long way in helping other families in more dire situations — such as the family of a slain Tennessee police officer they recently helped, who left behind four small children and his wife.

Daniel Martin, a 21-year-old freshman at UNCG, said the fund is a fitting tribute to his late father.

“He was a great guy who would do anything for anyone,” Daniel Martin said.

“By having his name out there — I think it helps out a lot of people. I know what these families are going through.”

The day will also include a raffle for various door prizes and Buffalo Wings and Rings will donate 10 percent of Saturday's sales to the fund.

The restaurant is at 1610 Highwoods Blvd. in the New Garden Village shopping center.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com