Navajo Nation Honors the Life of Navajo Police Sergeant Lamar Martin

Navajo Police Sgt. Lamar Martin’s fellow officers pay tribute to him during the funeral service on Nov. 8, 2019.

Published November 8, 2019

REHOBOTH, N.M. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez offered condolences and presented the Navajo Nation flag to the family of fallen Navajo Police Sgt. Lamar Martin during a funeral service held on Friday at Rehoboth Christian School in Rehoboth, N.M. Sgt. Martin passed away on Nov. 4 due to a medical event that occurred last month while he was on duty. 

His wife, Rosinda Martin, their five children and other family members were seated front row as President Nez, Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, Council Delegate Mark Freeland, Division of Public Safety Executive Director Jesse Delmar, Police Chief Phillip Francisco, and friends and colleagues of Sgt. Martin paid tribute to the fallen officer and shared many personal stories and memories of their loved one.

His family members described Sgt. Martin as a great family man who loved his wife and children immensely. He enjoyed outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and hauling wood and also enjoyed reading books and comic books.

Prior to presenting Sgt. Martin’s wife with the Navajo Nation flag, President Nez spoke about the many great achievements and contributions of Sgt. Martin as a Navajo Police Officer, Marine Corps and National Guard veteran, and as a person with great integrity and humility. Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie also presented the family with two bibles, one in the Navajo language and one in the English language.

Navajo Nation leaders and Navajo Police Officers during the funeral service for Navajo Police Sgt. Lamar Martin in Rehoboth, N.M. on Nov. 8, 2019.

“Our prayers are with Sgt. Martin’s family, his friends, and with all of our Navajo Police force as we honor his life and give thanks for all of the good memories that he brought to our lives. He was a protector of our people and our communities. I’m certain that he saved many lives during his time with us. He will be remembered in our hearts and minds forever,” said President Nez.

Several of Sgt. Martin’s fellow officers also spoke at his service, many of whom recalled him as a mentor and leader who did not hesitate to offer his expertise and teachings in a humble and respectful manner.

Sgt. Martin served with the Crownpoint Police District at the time of his passing. He served with the Navajo Police Department for 22 years. He was also an honored and awarded U.S. Marine Corps and New Mexico Army National Guard veteran, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2009.

He served as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, a General Instructor and a Field Training Officer, a member of the Strategic Reaction Team and was a consummate professional conducting his duties in the service of our Navajo people with the Navajo Police Department.

Sgt. Martin received a full military funeral service coordinated by the New Mexico National Guard in partnership with the Navajo Police Department. Stg. Martin was laid to rest at the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery.