Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am a medically retired Deputy out of San Diego. I was hit by a drunk driver in 2019. Now I am walking from San Diego, CA to Lubec, ME raising money for injured Law Enforcement Officers and for abused kids.

Seeing your memorial and the very beginning of my walk today moved me and motivated me. You and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Deputy Travis Johnson
San Diego County Sheriff's Office

March 29, 2022

Grandpa, I miss you so much!! I wish you could have met your great grandchildren! They are so tall and beautiful now! And I'm a better hunter, Don't have you secret holes but I still manage to get big bucks on the ground. I miss you dearly and know that you would have enjoyed all of this with us. Love you. Your grandson Nate.

Nate
Grandson

March 2, 2022

I met Officer Bob Martin not the way you want to. He stopped me heading south on the Beeline.
He treated me fairly and with compassion. He understood that a CMV driver in this great state cannot go to traffic school, Since I was only 5MPH he gave me a stern vocal warning and let me go. Over the next 4 years he stopped me 4 more times and always let me go with a warning.
He was always a professional and polite. I kind of took him stopping me as a friendly warning every time. He knew that I was coming back from dropping of kids at one of the many camps up on the rim. I now live in Payson and go by his memorial as well as his tree. Sure, do miss him

John

January 22, 2022

I met Officer Martin the hard way in 1982 or 1983. I was northbound on highway 87 (about 10-15 miles north of his memorial) when I was introduced to him. All these years later, I remember the experience very well! He was without a doubt an absolute gentleman and a consummate professional!!
I travel this highway regularly and I think about this almost every time ( both going north & south as I pass his memorial.
Rest In Peace to a fine man!

Tony (just a citizen that remembers)

May 27, 2021

I was 13 days away from my first birthday the day you were taken. Grandpa, I want you to know just how big of an impact you've had on my life. My lifelong dream was to be a police officer, all because of you. I dream of you all the time, and I know that whatever I'm enduring you're with me. I love you.

Cody Griffin
Great Grandson

October 5, 2020

My sister was involved in a very serious car accident in April of 1994 along the BeeLine highway... My young nephew and niece were also in vehicle which was hit head on by a pickup truck by a man who had suffered a heart attack. It was a devastating accident and luckily Officer Martin was on the scene, he acted quickly and called in helicopters to bring my family members to the hospital. Without any doubt, Officer Martin saved my sister's life and I could never thank him enough. God bless you Sir...

Christian Wall
Citizen

September 2, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 15, 2020

"Mother" Martin: Dec 16, 2011

As posted in "Together We Served" 7 years ago.

I never had the privilege to meet Officer Martin, but I had heard that he was affectionately referred to as Mother Martin for his age, experience, and the way he took care of and demonstrated interest in his younger partners.

I frequently drove by his memorial (on The Beeline) nearby to the shooting scene. I always slowed and reflected as I went by. I would like his family to know that Officer Martin's memorial always served as a reminder to me to be careful. I appreciated the care given to the memorial so much.

On a side note; I responded to a large bar fight at the bowling alley in Payson (AZ) on an afternoon in 2000. After arriving, I observed a fellow officer bending over a suspect he was cuffing up. I then saw a young man charging this Officer from behind. I was able to intercept this young man who turned to fight me. I had to forcefully slam him to the ground to control and arrest him.
It turned out he was the cousin of the murderer of Officer Martin, and had been disparaging Officer Martin's memory as well as generally mocking the DPS and Payson Police for some time. He was shut up that day, and I am proud to have been able to honor Officer Martin with that arrest.

Officer (Retired) Steve Caros
Payson, AZ PD & Manhattan Beach, CA PD

January 24, 2019

I just wanted to say, Officer Martin, while justice was slow, it still moves. December 3rd, 2017, your killer was convicted of killing the innocent store clerk in Blythe. It was 22 years ago, but I remember that day and being where he was caught and helping to recover your Sig Sauer, hidden under a mattress in the trailer. I'm sorry sir, it took so long, but I'm thankful your killer was held accountable for your death and the death of another innocent man. Rest sir in peace knowing justice, while delayed has triumphed.

Sr. DA Investigator II T.R. Gleeson
Riverside Co DA Investigations - Indio

December 5, 2017

Although I do not know you we do share a connection, I was born 8/15/95 and at about the same time you were killed. I'm 21 now and I'm becoming a cop in Salem, OR. I felt like maybe there is some connection and I can do my best to honor your legacy as a police officer.

Police Cadet Charley Mitchell
Salem Police Department

November 12, 2016

I always will think about and remember Bob. What a great friend. Back in the 70's and 80's Bob would stop at Saguaro Lake to visit and tell great stories of his days and Family. Me and my Dad are so inspired by Bob. I will always remember when Bob had helped me through some times. I do miss you Bob, God Bless.

Keven Turner

August 19, 2016

Grandpa ,
There is not a day I don't think of you:( I miss so much about
What a great grandpa you where .!! You where not only a great grandpa
But a awesome role model.. I will never forget tht phone call that changed
All our live forever, sometimes I wonder if I hadn't answerd the phone would it all of gone away ! ( I guess not ) .. That was truley the hardest day of my life !!.. The only thing that made it harder was telling my mom that her dad was dead!!( truley the hardest thing I've had to do EVER!!! I think back on our national Christmas lightings, that would lite up the whole neighborhood , the unforgettable white tree that took up the majority of the living room with beautiful blue lights on the tree .. As kid I loved the color blue, wasn't untill I was older did I undrstand the meaning of the blue lights , the day god called you home was when blue (my favorite color always ) ment something more powerful than most can imagine , ! I will never ever forget the 1st an only circus you took mysister and I too .. That you supported me loving clowns even when the rest of my siblings couldn't stand them! Going out on the lake in the boat you made grandma ! An surprising me when I was in he hospital pregnant with your 1st great grandson who couldn't just thought he had to come into the world whenever he chose!! ( atleast we made it to a month early instead of 6 months early)! Grandpa if I am half the person you where then I will have succeeded in my goals.. To this day I miss you as much as the day the phone rang , they say time heals all wounds ! Who ever said that has never has had to deal with such a great loss as our family has for the last 20 yrs and will always ! To me time is just that time .. I member you jut like it was yesterday with your bald head and your huge hugs !! An the biggest heart I've ever known in a man!! I love you as much know as I did 20yrs ago !! Till we see each other again grandpa , I love you and will forever keep you close to my heart !!!

Granddaughter
Granddaughter

September 4, 2015

RIP Sir and thank you for your years of dedication and service to the people of Arizona.

Mark Storrs, RN

August 16, 2015

It is hard to believe 20 years has past since Bob was murdered. It seems like only a short time ago. A lot has changed, the squad has all retired and moved on with one exception. However we haven't forgotten Bob and the mark he left on all of us. RIP brother.

Captain Dallas Luttrell
Kentucky State Rark Ranger Az Highway Patrol Retired Sergeant

August 15, 2015

So often we think that those who have given the greatest sacrifice are forgotten but that is not true. You live on in the hearts and minds of all of us that were left behind. Your life was given in the service of others and that is a guarantee of a special spot in heaven. Thank you Bob and rest in the peace of Christ.

Sue Boggler

November 30, 2014

Bob,

Having retired now, it brought reflection upon my career. It was that fatefull day on the beeline highway when you passed me and waved. Thirty minutes later Sergeant Clark, Officer Renfro and I were working overtime out there when we received the call. Renfro and I were the first on scene. To this day it still bothers me that there was nothing I could do for you. I have heard all the stories of Mother Martin and what a great Officer and friend you were. I know you are looking down on your friends and family including your blue family, watching over us and protecting us as you always have!! Rest in Peace my friend and brother!!!!

Sergeant Mike Gutierrez (Retired)
Albuquerque Police Department, AZ DPS (formerly)

October 28, 2014

Officer Martin,
I was traveling down the Beeline that day with my grandparents when we saw the flashing lights and road block to take a different route home. I was only nine years old and remember thinking what could have been happening for the highway to be closed. When I got home my parents had the news on and it showed that a officer on the Beeline highway had been shot and killed. I was so upset knowing that a police officer had been killed and that was why the highway was shut down. When I travel up and down the Beeline highway now as an adult I sometimes stop on the side of the road of your memorial and say a prayer for what you sacrificed that day. I say a prayer for your family that they are doing well. I also say a prayer for all law enforcement that is walking the beat and protecting us every day from people like Martinez that have no respect for anyone not even themselves. Officer Martin you have set the bar for many of us and your families reflections of you prove that you not only were an amazing police officer for a loved family man also. Good speed brother rest in peace.

Sgt. J. K. Mellott
MCSO

October 13, 2014

Dad,
Another year has passed and we miss you as much today and we did in 1995. I know that you are keeping things straight in heaven and watching out for all of us every day. Losing you was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Knowing you and loving you were some of my greatest blessings. I know that we will meet again and I have so much to tell you. I still get the urge to just pick up the phone and call you sometimes. I wish you were here but I know I will see you again soon.

Bobette
Daughter

August 15, 2014

I live in Show Low, Arizona and drive the Beeline down to the valley about 4-5 times a year to visit family. Every time I drive the route, I always say a prayer for you and your family. I never knew you. I am sorry there are people in this world that do not respect those in uniform. Any uniform. I lost a friend, Brent Lumley, EOW 7 March, 1997. He too is listed on this roll call. I am currently in the SLPD Citizens Academy and your name was mentioned from a DPS Sergeant as a very wonderful Officer and family man. God bless your family and may they know there are people still that respect Law Enforcement Officers.

Sergeant D. Ely, retired
Arizona Department of Corrections

August 8, 2014

Uncle Bob, You are missed everyday. I miss going over to see you. I remember where I was and how I found out about what happened. I remember racing home to see the news. It was a shock to me as it was to the rest of the family. You are always in our thoughts.

Kip Farnsworth
Nephew

January 23, 2014

Stopped at Bobs memorial on the way home this afternoon and placed a stone on his monument. My husband and I met he and his wife on top of Mt Word one afternoon. A good time talking about Jeeping and life and possibly going 4 wheeling together. They both made such an impression on us that has stayed with us to this day. Tears thinking about the loss to us all.
To his wife, I hope you are doing well.

Lynn and Jim
A friend in our heart--

January 12, 2014

He will be memorialized on the Stolen Lives Quilt, thanks to our partners, Remember 1986.

Maria Espinoza
Founder & National Director
The Remembrance Project

August 4, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

February 6, 2013

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

September 22, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 4, 2012