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Hero Down: San Francisco Sheriff’s Deputy Linton Martin Sr. Dies After Medical Emergency At Jail

San 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.

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.

Written by
Holly Matkin

Holly is a former probation and parole officer who is married to a sheriff’s deputy. She is a regular contributor to Signature Montana magazine, and has written feature articles for Distinctly Montana magazine.

View all articles
Written by Holly Matkin

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