Mark's bio

Hello Yuma, my name is Mark Martinez. I have 28 years of service to our Country and 32 years of service to our community, and I am looking toward the future, eager to serve you as a Yuma City Councilmember. l am a 5th generation Yuman. My dream has always been to serve my community, to give back to the community that has been so good to me, to make change, to make a difference in Yuma, Arizona.

In 1984, I joined the United States Army. I served overseas throughout the world, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, during Desert Storm and returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, I was also awarded the Bronze Star for my service in Iraq. On January 28, 2013, I retired as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) after 28 years of service.

In 1987, I started my career with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office as a Detention Officer. I was promoted through the ranks within the Detention Bureau and supervised all areas within the jail. In 1998, I transitioned to Patrol and was promoted to the rank of Deputy. I held that position until 1999 when I was reassigned to the Office of Professional Responsibility (commonly known as Internal Affairs) as the Administrative Investigator. Later, I transitioned to the role of a Narcotics Investigator and was assigned to the Methamphetamine Enforcement Team from July 2000 to January 2003. In 2003, I was promoted to Patrol Sergeant. In 2006, the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force was formed, and I was reassigned to the Task Force as the Street Team Leader. On February 2, 2008, I was promoted to Captain and returned to the Detention Bureau, where I assumed command of all jail operations. During the same year, on May 21, 2008, I was presented with the Sunrise Optimist Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. I served as the Jail Commander until November 2014, when I transitioned back to the Patrol Bureau and assumed command of all law enforcement operations until January 2017. I then transition back to the Detention Bureau as the Jail Commander. On January 31, 2020, I retired after 32 years of service.

Currently, I'm retired and married to the most wonderful woman a man could marry. Esther is not only my wife; she's my best friend and the love of my life. She has been the greatest support throughout our relationship, especially during this campaign. I wouldn't do this without her in my corner. We have three wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren, and I am proud of each one of them.

I have always felt the calling to serve my fellow man and become a public servant. I learned early in both my careers that the only way to make positive change was to be the person in charge to effect change. I ask you and your family for your support by voting for me, just a young kid from the lanes with a dream for change. To serve and give back to my community.

Vote Mark Martinez for Yuma City Council. 

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@markmartinezforyumacitycouncil