Martinez takes lead in community watch program
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From a young age, Kris Martinez knew that he wanted to help people.
“I always found myself helping others,” Martinez told us. “From holding doors open to mowing lawns and shoveling snow for my neighbors who couldn’t anymore.”
Originally from Texas, Kris and his family moved to Illinois when he was a young boy.
They lived in East Lynn, Illinois for a few years before moving to Hoopeston, where he graduated high school. After graduating, Martinez joined the Illinois National Guard.
“Joining the National Guard showed me I could serve on a bigger scale,” Martinez said. “Becoming a police officer was a natural choice for me in continuing to do what I am passionate about.”
Martinez attended a twenty-seven week training academy with the Illinois State Police in Springfield.
After completing his training, he was assigned to District 10. “After completing a fourteen week field training program, I was officially a Trooper for the Illinois State Police.”
In the last few years, police officers have been under scrutiny. With riots and personal attacks, many of those who were sworn to serve and protect were now questioning if they should remain on the force.
“Every single person has had their share of doubt in their personal journey. I am no different,” Martinez told us. “There have been some challenging moments in my career, in policing as a whole, but none that have made me want to stop doing what I love. I have found that most people, especially right here in District ten are warm and kind to the police.”
Now having settled in Chrisman, Martinez made the decision to be the head of the Chrisman Neighborhood Watch Program.
Normally working in larger areas, Martinez saw this as an opportunity to serve the town and bring his ideas to the program.
“In the future, I see this program bringing Chrisman closer as a community while making it a much safer place to live,” Martinez said.
“I plan on helping educate everyone on how they can take steps to not only make themselves safer, but also make their community safer.”
