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Martinez, Hendricksen talk about upcoming sheriff’s race

Aaron Osowski, The Park Record
Summit County Sheriff s Office Capt. Justin Martinez is running for Summit County Sheriff as a Democrat. He cites his theoretical and practical knowledge of the many intricacies of the Sheriff s Office as his strength, as well as his military experience with the U.S. Coast Guard. (Park Record file photo)
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With Francis resident and Summit County Sheriff candidate Kris Hendricksen besting fellow Republican nominee Dax Shane at the county convention, the stage is now set for November’s election, as Hendricksen will take on the Democratic nominee, Summit County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Justin Martinez. The winner will replace current Sheriff Dave Edmunds.

Hendricksen, an officer with the Utah Valley University Police Department, said he did not have too much to say on his platform publicly during the caucus and convention process, as he was focused on visiting with delegates. He said that public service is the most enjoyable part of what he does and would like to serve Summit County.

"I enjoy serving my community. I want people to know they should feel safe in their places of business and their homes," Hendricksen said, who said he has been a peace officer the last 31 years. "I also understand how people want to be treated and to have that trust in their law enforcement officials."

Hendricksen added he wants to make sure the Sheriff’s Office’s budget is used "properly and effectively" and that deputies feel like they are valued and respected within the office.

Martinez, who was promoted to captain in 2012, has over 14 years of law enforcement experience and has served a military tour of duty with the U.S. Coast Guard. He emphasized he is also educated, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Service Management Administration from Utah Valley University.

"We do have a first-class, professional sheriff’s office I intend to keep it that way," Martinez said. "I want to bring a holistic approach to law enforcement with a common-sense [attitude]."

Hendricksen told The Park Record that he wished to get "out in front" of any unfounded accusations which may arise against him during the campaign.

When he was working for the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Hendricksen said he was working on the narcotics team with a partner and they met with an informant. They paid the informant and Hendricksen accidentally left his binder with money and receipts in the front seat of his patrol car, later to be stolen, which he said was confirmed through an internal investigation.

A couple years later, Hendricksen said he started working in the patrol division and had a new supervisor who he said "did not see eye-to-eye" with him on issues. He said he got in trouble with that supervisor on a "differing of opinions" and knew that his "days were numbered."

Hendricksen said he later received a "nasty letter" in his file that had unfounded allegations. After speaking with an attorney, he said the letter was removed from his file but that he decided to turn in his letter of resignation. He attested to his success with the state Drug Task Force during his time with the office.

"We did so many good things and got a lot of good reviews," Hendricksen said. "We were working with other agencies and were causing a problem for the drug trade."

Martinez said that, as the number two person in the Sheriff’s Office, he knows policy analysis, human resource management, public budgeting and strategic planning. He added he wishes to focus on having the Sheriff’s Office do more community outreach.

"I’ve demonstrated that I can work with both sides of the county effectively," Martinez said. "[If I am elected], deputies will be perceived more as being involved and working with the citizens of Summit County rather than working against them. There will also be the expectation that citizens work with deputies as opposed to working against them."

Summit County


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