Longtime Warden police sergeant retires

WARDEN — Longtime Warden Police Sergeant Mike Martin is retiring.

“I’ve been here 20 years full-time, and then between two and three years before that as a police volunteer,” said Martin, who is no relation to Warden Police Chief Rick Martin. “It’s been a tremendous thing, working in law enforcement in the city where I grew up.”

“It will sorely be missed,” he added, whose last day is today.

Martin said he’s done a little bit of everything during his Warden police career, though he is proudest of the work he has done combating drunk driving — and the award he received from Mothers Against Drunk Driving — and the time he devoted to working as a quasi-school resource officer in the Warden Schools.

“You name it, I’ve done it,” Martin said.

In fact, Martin said he and his wife are heading to Florida, where he will likely work as a school resource officer.

Warden Mayor Tony Massa said he was going to miss Martin, who has been a positive presence in Warden with his work as a police officer and the time he devotes to the city’s Lions Club and coaching the high school track team.

“He’s very community-oriented, he’s a good guy,” Massa said. “I’m certainly going to miss him.”

Massa said the city will likely use a reserve officer to cover a portion of Martin’s hours while they search for a replacement.

There will be a small ceremony at the Warden police station this afternoon at 4 p.m. to honor Martin and years of service.

“It’s been nothing but an honor and a privilege to work for this city,” Martin said.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.