Martin to seek third term as sheriff
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County’s sheriff said he plans to run for reelection this year.
Brian Martin is seeking a third term as sheriff-coroner.
He said it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Lake County as sheriff-coroner for the past seven years.
“It has been much more challenging, and much more rewarding than I could have ever imagined,” said Martin, who took office just months ahead of a series of devastating fires in 2015 — the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires.
“Through numerous emergencies, including fires that have touched every family and community in our county, to floods, to atmospheric river events, to public safety power shut-offs, a jail evacuation, an endless quest to adequately staff positions, and the loss of several close friends, we’ve been through a lot together. We even got to slip in a global pandemic along the way, too, which has no signs of letting up anytime soon,” Martin said.
He said he has many thanks to give for the successes we’ve had. “I have to thank my dedicated, committed, and capable staff. Whether it’s the deputy on the street, or the dispatcher answering 911 calls, or the correctional deputy ensuring inmates are safe and secure, or the investigators and evidence technicians who comb scenes looking for the evidence needed to ensure justice is served, or the support staff that keeps the bills paid, the records correct, and the right doors locked at the jail, the dedicated men and women of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office have answered the call to duty with selfless, tireless commitment. Our community owes them thanks. I want to thank them and tell you what an honor it is to work with all of them.”
Martin also thanked Lake County’s residents for being supportive, kind and helpful during some truly challenging times. “Even when other communities joined calls to ‘defund the police and in some cases staged violent protests with targeted violence against peace officers, the people of Lake County remained supportive of our law enforcement officers. On behalf of a grateful group of peace officers, thank you for allowing us to serve you.”
He saved the most important thank you for his family, including his wife Crystal, their three grown children and his parents, all of whom have all been extremely supportive.
“This position requires a great deal of time, and they have been more than understanding of the demands of the job. I couldn’t be successful without their support,” he said.
As for what he’s planning in the coming years, Martin said, “Our focus on the next four years will be to fine tune the systems we’ve put in place and develop the next group of leaders within our organization to carry us on as we adapt to ever-changing circumstances, whether it’s changing requirements in the law, changes in our environment, or societal shifts that require evolution in our profession, I want to make sure the Lake County Sheriff’s Office meets or exceeds your expectations.”
He said he hopes he’s served the people of Lake County well enough for them to reelect him for another term.
“I expect that we will continue to deal with emergencies. Some, like fires and floods, will be familiar. It seems that there is always a curve ball thrown our way, but our staff has proved to be adaptable and our community resilient. I feel confident that we can handle anything that comes our way,” Martin said.