Paulo Rodolfo Martinez, Sr., of Hollywood, MD was born and grew up in Detroit, MI on January 9, 1957 and passed away on January 9, 2009 in Leonardtown, MD. He was the son of Rodolfo Martinez of Ecrose, MI and the late Margaret Martinez. Paulo had seven siblings: Roy Martinez, Paula Martinez, Dolores Ramirez, David Martinez, Juan Martinez and Dennis Martinez, all of Detroit, MI and Pamela Hicks of TN. He was a devoted father to his six children: Paulo R. Martinez, Jr., of Baltimore, MD, Eric R. Martinez of Hollywood, MD, Jason M. Martinez of Reading, PA, Christopher Clark, Charlie Martinez and Pamela Martinez, all of Hollywood, MD and his granddaughter Emily R Martinez of Hollywood, MD. In April of 1974 at the age of 17, Paulo Martinez joined the United States Navy. He served both active duty and in the reserves until June of 1984. Paulo began his law enforcement career in 1983 as a police office with the Department of Defense Police, stationed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, MD. On July 9, 1984 he was hired by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and began service as a Deputy Sheriff. Paulo had an extensive and diverse career with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, serving in many positions and divisions within the agency. Paulo completed his training and graduated from the University of Maryland Police Academy in November of 1984. Upon graduation, Paulo was assigned to the Patrol Division where he worked as a Patrolman First Class from 1984-1988. He excelled in patrol and was promoted to Patrolman First Class.. Paulo’s excellent investigative skills led to his transfer in 1988 to the Criminal Investigations Divisions as a detective. Paulo served as a detective investigating crimes against persons and property, as well as serving as a detective conducting narcotics investigations. Paulo was one of the original detectives assigned to the Southern Maryland Narcotics Task Force. Paulo was also assigned to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division where he again excelled and was promoted to the rank of Corporal on May 14, 1999. In addition to his regular law enforcement duties, Paulo was a Field Training Officer and a member of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. Off duty, Paulo enjoyed softball and darts. He was a past President for the St. Mary’s County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 7. Prior to retiring, Paulo returned to the Patrol Division where he was a supervisor. He trained and mentored many young deputies. On June 30, 2004 Corporal Paulo Martinez retired from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Not wanting to leave the law enforcement profession completely, Paulo accepted a job with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and continued his service as a Special Deputy working Court Security. Corporal Paulo Martinez was a valued member of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department where he served the citizens of St. Mary’s County diligently for 25 years. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 5:00-8:00 PM in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 10:00 AM in St. John’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Joy Chapel Cemetery, Hollywood, MD. Pallbearers will be members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department.
