Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez

Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez grew up in Del Rio, Texas and graduated from the San Felipe Consolidated Independent school District in 1975.

In 1977 Martinez was employed by the Del Rio Police Department where he worked as a patrol officer.  He was later promoted to the Detectives Division where he conducted investigations of felony offenses such as Capital Murders, Murders, Thefts, Burglaries, and Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicles.  In 1982 Martinez left the Del Rio Police Department to join The Texas Department of Public Safety.

In 1982 Martinez attended the Department of Public Safety Training Academy and graduated in 1983. He was employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Highway Patrolman for three years, and in 1986 He transferred to the License and Weight (CVE) Division in where he enforced Federal Motor Carrier Regulations until 1996.  In 1996 He transferred to the Criminal Law Enforcement Division (CLE) as a uniformed Trooper where he assisted Investigators by executing search warrants and conducting highway interdictions.

In 1998 Martinez was promoted to the position of Sergeant Investigator with the DPS Narcotics Division where he supervised and conducted criminal investigations in Val Verde County and Maverick County. He specialized in narcotic smuggling, organized crime related to narcotic trafficking, money laundering, and organized gang investigations. 

Martinez retired from the Department of Public Safety after 25 years of service to the people of the State of Texas.

On November 4, 2008 Martinez was elected as Sheriff by the people of Val Verde County.
Sheriff Martinez is married to Heather Martinez and they have four children.  He has an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Southwest Texas Junior College, and is currently a member of Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalition-Treasurer, Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition-Sergeant at Arms, and the Sheriff’s Association of Texas.