Martinez earns SAR medal

Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Hank Martinez received the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforce-ment Commendation Medal at the SOA annual awards luncheon Nov. 15.

Martinez received the award for his “outstanding service both on and off-duty,” according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. The event was held at the San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville. The SAR organization recognizes individuals from law enforcement, fire safety and medical services for outstanding service each year. Individuals can only win the award once in their lifetime.

Martinez began his career with NCSO Dec. 1, 1987 and has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He has worked in various positions within NCSO like patrol, field training, canine, criminal investigations, SWAT and Honor Guard and been promoted to sergeant and lieutenant. He currently serves as patrol commander for “D” shift.

Lieutenant Martinez has been married to his wife Cathy, who works for the U.S. Postal Service, for 27 years and they have two daughters and three grandchildren. He is a lifelong member of Callahan First Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and teaches Sunday school to high school boys. He has been on several mission trips, from rebuilding houses in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to Honduras, Peru, Cuba and Africa, where he helped on several construction projects and even put on a basketball camp for more than 100 kids.

“Lieutenant Martinez has spent his entire adult life keeping our community safe and also helping others in need,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper.  “He has served the NCSO with integrity, distinction and devotion and deserves this special recognition.”

The Sons of the American Revolution was founded in 1889. Members of the organization are male descendants of people who served in the American Revolutionary War between 1775 and 1783, establishing the independence of the United States.