Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Saul, I thought I'd drop by and say hello, and briefly share with you the most vivid memory I have of you. By far my most favorite of memories is when you paid a visit to my brother's and Saul's AYSO soccer match in the TJMS soccer fields. Although I have no recollection of how long you had been waiting in the parking lot, sitting in your cop car, I do recall the moment when I heard the sirens go off as Saul scored a goal. As the team celebrated the goal, all those sitting in the sidelines looked around to see where the sirens were coming from, and what we found was you, beaming from ear to ear, sitting in the car, and celebrating your son's goal in the coolest way possible! You were such an impressive figure to all of us - both children and adults alike - and your memory will never be forgotten. Thanks for the memory and that you have given us.

Cynthia
Family member

May 15, 2011

Father,

Fourteen years have passed and still, look at how many you have touched and inspired! How can I not be proud to be your daughter?! My heart bursts with both orgullo and humildad! You continue to live in the hearts of so many. Especially mine, as you have nestled yourself at my core, acting always as my conscience. You have taught me to love selflessly and unconditionally, to serve my people and lead by example, and most importantly to never, ever forget where I come from. I am honored to have had you as my father and mentor. To you, and to all of my relations, I pray that my life honors yours.

Missing you with all my heart,
Eli

Elizabeth Martinez
Daughter

May 15, 2011

Hello Officer Martinez,

I was just browsing the internet and thought i would stop by and say hi. I do not see your brother as much since he went to the DA's office but I hear he is well and happy. Keep looking out for us my friend.

Officer Kline
Ventura Police Dept.

February 15, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

October 15, 2010

Hey Carnal (Our Reference)

I met you briefly during our physical performance test. We ended up seeing each other standing in line during the first day at the Academy. You said "you need to be in front of me due to alphabetical order. I believe you were last minute assignment to our class of CTC V-88 so we were not assigned to the same room. You were a constant motivator during the whole physical and academic endeavors. For whatever reason we had to stay a weekend in the dorms. We went out to Old-Sac and after us having food and spirits in Old-Sac I became violently ill. I had horrible stomach pain that staff office called the ambulance. You drove yourself and stayed with me at the hospital until released sometime on Saturday or Sunday morning. Graduation day I met your wife, parents, and other family. After our Graduation anniversary and of course break-in, I went to visit you at your home in Indo with Norma, my wife at the time. You and your familys' hospitality was gracious; you insisted that we sleep in your bed. I have since served as a mentor to many students of mine. I wish I had someone like you now to ask for guidance as easy as it was to ask for yours. You always addressed me as "Carnalito" because you were a few years older and much taller than I. I went to visit the school named after you and it honors me to say it is the first school named after a law enforcement hero like yourself. My honor and true respect for having known you. Rest in honorable peace and save me a spot up there, whereever you are I want to be near. I was trully honored to know you carnal. Nos Vemos, Un Honor!

John R. Martinez (Modesto CHP Area)

OFFICER JOHN MARTINEZ

October 15, 2010

Hey Tio,

Its been awhile. I miss you, and I know everyone else does too. I just wanted to say Thank you for your guidance, and i know you always listen when I need you. Thank you.

Jasmin Ceja
My uncle

February 2, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Martinez. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Saul, you do not know how much I miss you. Even though I never really got the chance to meet you, I feel that i've known you my whole life. . I was only about 1 month old when this happened. i will always pray to you and will always and always LOVE you. O and did you know i wrote a story about you at school in social studies. And my teacher said when she read it she started crying. And i told her that I started crying too just writing it. Well just writing in to see how you are doing. well bye.

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Ralph Martinez's daughter
Saul Martinez is my uncle

April 2, 2009

Thinking of you..

D.A. Investigator Ralph Martinez

September 29, 2008

Thank you for your service you are a hero and will never be forgotten.

Linda Bianchi
Mother in law to CHP John Miller EOW 11-16-07

September 13, 2008

It's been so long since I actually got a chance to talk to you, ten years go by so fast. But it seems like just yesterday when I used to take the kids bowling or to the movies, or even see you except an award for being the top of our community!! Your kids have grown so fast, and everytime I see them I see you in them. There hearts and their devotion to the family is just like yours. Your memory always live's on in my heart and in my family's heart. You made such a difference in our's and we will always be so very thankful for that. We miss you everyday and think about you all the time.

The Delgado Family
Indio, Ca.

Anonymous

August 7, 2008

Thank You for having served the Inland Empire.

No doubt Cesar Chavez is smiling, seeing how much that You have accomplished since Your early years.

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 15, 2008

Big Brother, it's been 11 years since we last talked,laughed and shared good times.That was Easter Sunday March of '97.Little did we know that in 2 months time you would be leaving us forever.Your loss has left a tremendous void in our hearts.Not a day goes by that I don't think about you.You've left us with beatiful memories and a family anyone would be proud of. We miss you dearly. Your bro. Joel

Joel
brother

April 25, 2008

It's been over 10 years since we lost Saul and it still seems like yesterday sometimes. I just happened to look at this website today (day after Christmas) and it brought back tears and I realized just how much I miss my brother. It gives me strength and honor though to see his children growing up and be so much like him. I read all of the relections and was touched. I want to say to all "Thank you". Thank you for your prayers, well wishes, poems, etc. I am one of Saul's younger brothers and have been in law enforcement for over 20 years. I graduated from the Ventura Co. police academy the same year he graduated from the CHP academy. This was the same year our other brother graduated from the Fire academy. We are a proud family committed to serving the people in our community. That will never change. Saul, we still miss you and think of you always. PS You're going to be an uncle ....again. My little one is due March 18, with God's blessing

D.A. Investigator Ralph Martinez
Ventura County D.A.

December 26, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 21, 2007

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

nc game warden

July 27, 2007

"Rather Than Swerve From the Path of Duty" It is what you are all about Saul !! You have honored all who wear the blue and gold and you will never be forgotten..God bless your family and continue to rest in peace Brother

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret.

May 15, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to your family and co-workers on the anniversary of your passing. May God continue to comfort them. Thank you for your service. Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 15, 2007

Mr. Martinez,

Well, last week I finally graduated from the police academy! My plans are to hopefully stay in the area i'm at right now, or at least not too far. Now that i'm finished with one hurdle i'm faced with others, like where to establish myself, and where to apply to, what agency to be with, all confusing for me. Please guide me into the right direction.
God Bless you, and your family!

VANESSA
FAMILY FRIEND

May 2, 2007

Saul, you were the best graveyard partner I ever had. Boy did we have some fun times. You are in my thoughts every day. You will be happy to know that the Saul Martinez Elementary School, the only school in California named after a peace officer, is thriving. Your commitment to teaching others carries on....You are a true hero.

Sergeant Dewayne Lewis
CHP

April 26, 2007

Dear Mr. Martinez,

Please continue to watch over me as I try to overcome my injury. Its worse then I thought, and I'm not sure how it is going to effect me in the long run. I only have 3 months left in the academy and it would be devastating for me not to be able to finish. Continue to give me the strength that i need to get through this. Thank you for guiding me through each day! God Bless you!

VANESSA ROCHA
FAMILY FRIEND

February 2, 2007

Saul,
You brave man,I "sat" with your family, wife and 3 children at the Palm Springs Hospital while you fought for your life.
It is 10 years later and I recall vividly that solemn occasion when you were eulogised so beautifully at the catholic church in Indio, Ca.Also at your gravesite.
I know that you are sadly missed by many, your family, your comrades of the CHP and your community.

May you rest in peace,

Salute,Nicolas

Nicolas Hemes
1199 Foundation Life member

January 23, 2007

Mr. Martinez,

I've had the pleasure of getting to know your family through out the years, and going to high school with Eli. Although I have not spoken with them for a while or seen them, they are always in my heart and thoughts. Mrs. Martinez has always been an inspiration of strength and courage for me, as well as the kids, who are now young adults and doing great things. Because of you I've had the courage through out the years to serve my country through the military, and one day soon to serve a community as a peace officer.
I'm in my 6 month at the Palomar Police Academy, in San Marcos, CA, and you have been my biggest inspritaion and motivation along this path. Although all the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice inspire me to charge forward, you have been the biggest influence through out the years. I never met you, but I strive to be the person everyone has talked about,and i have come to know. I have your El Protector shirt still in my drawer and still wear it from time to time, and I have your Officer card framed on my wall at home.

You have a beautiful family, and I'm blessed to have them in my life. I actually plan to invite your family to my graduation, and I hope that at least one of them can attend, that would be a great honor. I hope that when its my time to wear that badge that I hold the same courage as you did in the face of fear. I've been on this website since the beginning of the academy in May, I tried to look for your name, but could not find it, finally I did.

Right now we are sponsoring a fallen officer, Officer Larry Lasater. He left behind a pregnant wife at his time of passing, and now has a beautiful boy in the world. We are doing fund raisers through out the year for his son's education, and will present his wife with a check at our graduation. I know that you and Larry are watching over all of us.

Please guide us all through the rest of the academy, and be with me when I get out there! I hope to make you and your family proud! You are never forgotten.

With all respect,

Cadet Vanessa Rocha
Palomar Police Academy
San Marcos, CA

Vanessa Rocha
Family Friend

November 16, 2006

A man so remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.May G-d bless both you and the family you have left behind.

May 15, 2006

P.O. Martinez, Thank you for your selfless sacrifice. May God bless you and your family. Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman

February 24, 2006