SPD mourns the loss of 20-year officer

Sgt. Moises Martinez, a member of the Shafter Police Department for over 20 years, was found dead in his home Wednesday morning.

A police presence was confirmed at a home on 206 Sunny Meadow Drive in Oildale at 7:26 a.m.

Present were vehicles from the Kern County Fire Department, the county Coroner's Office, Kern County Sheriff's Department and the Shafter Police Department.

Details on Martinez's cause of death were not released.

Martinez began work with the Shafter Police Department as a reserve officer in 2004. He received the Officer of the Year award in 2020 and received numerous other accommodations throughout his law enforcement career.

According to Acting Chief Randy Mulligan, during Martinez's tenure he was known for his unwavering commitment to public safety, compassionate service and mentorship of younger officers.

"It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Sergeant Martinez, who served our community with unwavering dedication, courage and integrity," Mulligan said in a statement. "Sergeant Martinez was not just a colleague, but a beloved member of our police family. He exemplified what it means to protect and serve, always putting others before himself. His impact on our

department and the community will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest

condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him. We will continue to

honor Sergeant Martinez's legacy by upholding the values and commitment to service

that he lived every day."

Mayor Pro-Tem Cathy Prout, when contacted, said, "All I know is that Sergeant Martinez did not show up to work this morning, so there was concern to check on him at his residence."

The Shafter Police Department said that they are asking for some privacy in this time, and allowing the family to mourn in peace.