Summit County Sheriff Justin Martinez nominated for U.S Marshal position

Sheriff Justin Martinez. Photo: Summit County Sheriff’s Office

PARK CITY, Utah – One of Summit County’s very own is in line to become the next U.S Marshal of Utah. Justin Martinez, who has been leading the Summit County Sheriff’s Office for over 10 years, was hand picked by Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee to represent our state.

After meeting with Senators Romney and Lee, Martinez, along with several other people considered for the position, were sent to Washington D.C. After the vetting process, Martinez was nominated by the Biden Administration for the position last Friday.

The Senate Judiciary Committee must confirm Martinez before he can become the marshal. The process can take up to several months, and if confirmed, Martinez plans to leave his position with Summit County.

Senator Romney was pleased with the White House’s decision:

“Justin has dedicated his life to keeping our communities safe. A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Justin has spent the past 26 years serving in various law enforcement agencies throughout Utah—most recently as the Sheriff of Summit County. After the Parleys Canyon Fire last year, I met with Justin and was impressed with the well-executed response that he coordinated, which saved countless homes and lives. The Administration has made a great choice in nominating Justin for U.S. Marshal for Utah.”

As a Utah native living in Summit County, Martinez started his law enforcement career in 1996. He joined the Summit County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 and was elected Sheriff in 2014.

Martinez, a Democrat, is now seeking re-election to his position as sheriff for a third time. Prior to his first election victory, he worked for the Sheriff’s Office for ten years as a captain. He has been in the position since 2015.

Over the span of his law enforcement career, Martinez has successfully held supervisory positions as a Captain, Division Commander, Patrol Sergeant, SWAT Team Leader, Honor Guard Commander, and Training Coordinator. Justin has also served as a motorcycle officer, bike patrol officer, traffic officer, and detective.

In 2003, Martinez was handpicked from hundreds of applicants to establish the new Draper City Police Department. During this inaugural year, he was awarded the Officer of the Year, and he has also been awarded three life saving medals throughout his career.

Senator Lee is happy with the White House’s decision, and praised Martinez and his extensive career.

“Justin Martinez is a proven leader and will serve us well as the U.S. Marshal for Utah. I trust that he will execute his duties with the same proficiency and professionalism he demonstrated during his 26 years of law enforcement service for Summit County and the State of Utah,” the Republican senator said in a prepared statement.

Martinez doesn’t expect a decision from the Senate until after the November election. If Martinez is selected as the marshal and subsequently leaves his position, the Summit County Democratic Party will start a selection process. That person would probably serve as sheriff until a midterm election in 2024. A candidate from either party might run for office, and if successful, they would hold it until the next election in 2026.