Holly MatkinSan Bruno, CA – San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) Deputy Linton Martin Sr. died in the line of duty late Tuesday night after suffering a medical emergency.
The 56-year-old deputy was working in the county jail in San Bruno when he suddenly collapsed, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
It was determined Deputy Martin died from natural causes, San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto told the San Francisco Chronicle.
The exact nature of the medical emergency has not been released.
“Deputy Martin was a beloved member of [the county jail’s] midnight watch, endearing himself to his colleagues with his infectious laugh, positive attitude and memorable pancake breakfasts,” Sheriff Miyamoto said, according to KRON. “We will miss his distinctive deep voice, which announced his presence wherever he went.”
Deputy Martin enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a reserve duty service member, and later went on to serve active duty, KRON reported.
He joined the SFSO after graduating from the San Mateo Police Academy in 2001, and initially served at the original San Bruno jail, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Deputy Martin moved to the new jail in 2005, where he remained until his death.
He leaves behind his wife, Elaine, his daughter, Malia, and his sons, Linton and Gabe, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
Gabe is also currently serving as a deputy with the SFSO.
End of Watch: @SheriffSF is saddened to announce the passing of Dep. Linton E. Martin, Sr. #1772 last night while on duty. He joined SFSO in 2001 & leaves his wife & several children. We will miss his laugh, his positive attitude & memorable pancake breakfasts. May he RIP. pic.twitter.com/BAwaLuKZ45
— SF Sheriff's Office (@SheriffSF) December 2, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of @SheriffSF Deputy Linton E. Martin who died in the line of duty as a result of a medical emergency. May God grant him eternal peace. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/nMjeVt1iyw
— NYPD Chaplains Unit (@NYPDchaplains) December 4, 2020
My heart goes out to the family of Dep. Linton Martin Sr. and the @SheriffSF. Dep. Martin join the Sheriff Dep the same time I joined #SFPD. My friend Linton and I both Graduation from Abraham Lincoln High School in SF. He will be missed by all. R.I.P my friend 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/mOah29zHSe
— Capt.Troy Dangerfield (@1YCEU) December 3, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of San Francisco Sheriff’s Office Deputy Linton Martin Sr., both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
