Remembering CHP's Finest - Jarrod Martinez (10/29/2009)

Officer Jarrod Martinez, I.D. 19081, died on October 29, 2009, after his motorcycle collided with another vehicle while he was on-duty. He was on his personal motorcycle on a rural road near Los Olivos, returning home from court. As he approached an intersection, a man in a Porsche making a left turn, cutting the corner, and drove into Jarrod’s lane. Jarrod laid down the bike and slid into the path of the car.  He was run over by the Porsche. A medical examiner happened onto the scene shortly after but declared him dead at the scene.

 

Martinez, 30, graduated from the CHP Academy on October 31, 2008 and was just two days shy of his one-year anniversary as an officer.

 

A memorial service was held Nov. 4 at the Sunken Gardens, the site of his wedding to Patricia, his high school sweetheart. She chose the location for its sweet memories and felt it was a fitting place to say good-bye.

 

Jarrod moved to Santa Barbara with his family when he was 4, and attended San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara. After high school he studied automotive technology and specialized in Audi, Porsche and BMWs. He reached Audi Master Guild status, which is the highest level of automotive technology certification. He became interested in a CHP career and entered the Academy in April 2008, and was assigned to his home town upon graduation.

 

At the memorial service, Santa Barbara Area Capt. Jeff Sgobba, I.D. 11503, not only spoke, but he also picked up his guitar and sang Amazing Grace. “He was thrilled to be here,” said Sgobba. “As a squad and a community, we ache from his loss. We are inspired with the zeal with which he lived his life, but he made us a better squad and community by his service.”

 

Officer James Studabaker, I.D. 19069, an Academy classmate and graveyard shift partner with Jarrod said, “To those who knew him, no explanation is necessary. To those who didn’t, no explanation is possible.”

 

Capping a service filled with songs, tributes and prayers for Jarrod and his family, three P-51 Mustang fighter planes roared low over the Courthouse as one aircraft pulled away in the missing man formation, a fitting homage to a young officer who will be deeply missed.

 

Jarrod is survived by his wife, Patricia, his 4-year-old daughter, Julia, and many close friends and family members.

 

A memorial fund was set up with Wells Fargo Bank on Nov. 2. Donations can be taken to any branch office. The fund name is "Jarrod John Martinez Memorial 19081," Wells Fargo account number 2297657708.

 

Following are photos from the memorial service held November 4, 2009, in the Sunken Gardens in Santa Barbara. After the service, family and friends convened at the Earl Warren Fairgrounds. All photos by Joe McHugh.