Holly MatkinLiberty Hill, TX – Austin Police Department (APD) Senior Police Officer Anthony “Tony” Martin died in a two-vehicle crash while on his way home from work on Sept. 23.
The 54-year-old officer had just wrapped up his shift and was traveling westbound on SH 29 when an eastbound driver turned left in front of him onto RM 1869 at approximately 5:56 a.m., KTBC reported.
Officer Martin suffered catastrophic injuries during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the driver who turned into Officer Martin’s lane of traffic was not injured in the collision and remained at the scene.
It is unclear whether or not the other driver will face charges.
The DPS is handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal collision, KTBC reported.
The APD announced Officer Martin’s tragic death in a press release later that day.
“It is with great sadness and deepest condolences that the Austin Police Department (APD) announces Senior APD Officer Anthony ‘Tony’ Martin succumbed to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash,” the department said.
Prior to joining the APD nearly two decades ago, Officer Martin spent 20 years serving in the U.S. Air Force, according to his obituary.
“After serving his country, Tony moved to the Austin area where he started his second career serving the community as a police officer,” the tribute read.
He began his law enforcement career as a member of the 112th APD Cadet Class on Sept. 18, 2006, according to his department.
He was sworn in as a commissioned officer on April 27, 2007.
Officer Martin served in many divisions within the APD, including the DWI Unit, the Motors Unit, and the Patrol Unit.
“Tony received multiple awards from MADD for his continuous commitment to keeping this community safe,” his obituary read. “Tony still holds the record for highest DWI arrests in a year.”
Officer Martin leaves behind his wife, Amberlee, his children, Mary Jo, Ashley, and Troy, and his granddaughter, Mavis.
He is also survived by his siblings, parents, nephews, and nieces.
Officer Martin will be laid to rest on Oct. 4.
Austin Senior Police Officer Anthony Martin was involved in a fatal car accident this morning, September 23rd, he was on his way home from working night shift.
Austin C4C has started a fundraising campaign on behalf of the the Martin family.
Rest Easy Brother 💙🖤🕯 pic.twitter.com/Xy96ykAJbd
— AustinC4C (@AustinC4C) September 24, 2022
We lost one of our own this morning. Officer Anthony "Tony" Martin served the city of Austin with excellence for over 16 years and he will be profoundly missed. Our hearts are with his family as they grieve this sudden and tragic loss. pic.twitter.com/tCiHNyP7RU
— Austin Police Association (@ATXPOA) September 23, 2022
Today, we remembered @Austin_Police SPO Martin, who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the morning of Sept. 23.
SPO Martin dedicated 16 years of his life to this noble profession.
Please keep Officer Martin's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.#ATXCouncil pic.twitter.com/ulHhgYcgwi— Council Member Mackenzie Kelly (@MK6ATX) September 29, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Austin Police Department Senior Police Officer Anthony “Tony” Martin, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
