Sheriff Rich Martin
Address: 1153 Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Telephone: 231-745-2712 Dispatch: (231) 745-2711
Website: http://lakecounty-michigan.com/PublicSafety/SheriffsOffice.aspx
Sheriff Martin has been in law enforcement in the public, private, recreational, and judicial sectors for nearly three decades. Martin was elected Sheriff of Lake County in 2016 and is currently serving his second term in office.
Sheriff Martin is an elected board member, first vice chair, past president, education committee chair, and senior lead master instructor for MCRGO. As a law enforcement and civilian firearms instructor, he has trained thousands of students and instructors from all over Michigan, the US, and Canada. Martin is the architect and co-author of the CPL program for MCRGO, the first state-based CPL program in Michigan.
Martin implemented the only Youth Police Explorer program in Northern Michigan. This program allows area youth to learn about law enforcement, provide structure, and volunteer services to the citizens of Lake County. It started with six cadets and now has almost 20 cadets.
Sheriff Martin received a Special Tribute Commendation from the Governor for the positive changes he has made within the Lake County Community and the Sheriff’s Office. One excerpt states: “Sheriff Martin has worked diligently on improving the Lake County Sheriff’s Office regarding increased and improved training, public outreach, community programs, transparency, and accountability.”
Sheriff Martin also worked with Michigan Works to expand grant training funds to include the law enforcement profession. This initiative resulted in sending two current employees to the police academy through primary funding from Michigan Works and MCOLES.
Sheriff Martin expressed the need to have ORV Deputy training similar to Snowmobile Deputy and Marine Deputy training. A bill was drafted, and Sheriff Martin testified before the judicial subcommittee. The bill was subsequently passed by the legislature, becoming law. This development will make hiring locals for Recreational Enforcement in Lake County and throughout the State easier.
In September 2024, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office became Agency Accredited through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC). This achievement marked the 4th sheriff’s office in Michigan to become accredited and the first rural accredited Sheriff’s Office out of 83 counties.
Starting as a reserve police officer in 1995, Martin has served with the Mattawan Police Department, the Vicksburg Police Department, the Decatur Police Department, the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kalamazoo County District Court. Martin also owned one of the state’s largest armed security guard companies.
Martin is a guest columnist for the Lake County Star, where he writes several articles each month for the local paper. He also continues to donate thousands of dollars to numerous local charities and non-profits through charity campaigns he has established.
Originally from the City of Kalamazoo, Martin now lives in Luther.
Richard L Martin
Sheriff
Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Dispatch: (231) 745-2711
Office: (231) 745-2712
Cell: (231) 250-0519
www.Facebook.com/LakeCountySheriff
