Deputy James Martin of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department has been honored as the Exchange Club “Officer of the Year.”
Martin joined the Department in 2019, and now, along with his K-9 partner, “Rico,” is a member of the Interdiction Unit which specializes in drug detection.
On Feb. 16, 2023, Deputy Martin conducted a traffic stop and noticed what appeared to be marijuana scattered on the console of the vehicle. After backup arrived a probable cause search was conducted which revealed four duffle bags of vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana with a total weight of just under 63 pounds.
Over the past year, Deputy Martin has seized over 1,300 pounds of marijuana, 55 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of cocaine, 296 doses of oxycodone, 23 firearms, $240,088 in cash, and other miscellaneous drugs.
Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey was on hand to present a proclamation declaring March 14, 2023, “Deputy James Martin Day.”
Sheriff Julian Wiser said he hopes the public “will realize the sacrifices deputies make in service of our citizens,” and praised Martin as a deputy that any officer would want to work with.
The Exchange Club rotates the honor between the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and Jackson Police Department every other year.
(PHOTO: (L to R) MCSD Deputy James Martin and MCSD Sheriff Julian Wiser. | Julie Cooke)
