Corporal Martinez battled Leukemia for almost two years, but on January 9, 2009 at 7:02 p.m., he lost his fight.

Paulo Martinez was born and grew up in Detroit, Michigan on January 9, 1957. He was the son of Rodolfo and Margaret (deceased) Martinez of Ecrose, Michigan. Paulo had seven siblings: Roy Martinez, Paula Martinez, Dolores Ramirez, David Martinez, Juan Martinez, Dennis Martinez; all of Detroit, Michigan, and Pamela Hicks of Tennessee.

He was a devoted father to his six children; Paulo R. Martinez, Jr., 32, of Baltimore, Maryland; Eric R. Martinez, 29, of Hollywood, Maryland; Jason M. Martinez, 25, of Reading, Pennsylvania; Christopher Clark, 18, of Hollywood, Maryland; Charlie Martinez, 15, of Hollywood, Maryland and Pamela Martinez, 11, of Hollywood, Maryland.

In April of 1974 at the age of 17, Paulo Martinez joined the United States Navy. He served both active duty and in the reserves until June of 1984. Paulo began his law enforcement career in 1983 as a police officer with the Department of Defense Police, stationed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, Maryland.

On July 9, 1984 he was hired by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and began service as a Deputy Sheriff. Paulo had an extensive and diverse career with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, serving in many positions and divisions within the agency. Paulo completed his training and graduated from the University of Maryland Police Academy in November of 1984.

Upon graduation, Paulo was assigned to the Patrol Division where he worked as a patrolman from 1984 through 1988. He excelled in patrol and was promoted to Patrolman First Class. Paulo's excellent investigative skills led to his transfer in 1988 to the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective.

Paulo served as detective investigating crimes against persons and property, as well as serving as a detective conducting narcotics investigations. Paulo was one of the original detectives assigned to the Southern Maryland Narcotics Task Force.

Paulo was also assigned to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Division where he again excelled, and was promoted to the rank of Corporal on May 14, 1999.

In addition to his regular law enforcement duties, Paulo was a Field Training Officer and a member of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Dive Team. Off duty, Paulo enjoyed softball and darts. He was a past President for the St. Mary's County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 7.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 10:00 AM in St. John's Catholic Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Joy Chapel Cemetery, Hollywood, MD.

Viewing/Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in St. John's Catholic Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.