PEARISBURG, Va. – Pearisburg Police Chief Jackie Martin will retire in April after serving his hometown for 39 years.
“No phones, no radios, no calls in the middle of the night,” Martin said. “That will not be missed.”
Martin spent 39 years in Pearisburg law enforcement, and 24 of those years as police chief. He began his career in Roanoke.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Martin said. “I’ve had challenges along the way of course, but in the end I can look back and say I’ve given it my best.”
Martin said serving his hometown has been an honor, helping the people he grew up with.
“You feel like you can be able to maybe reach out and touch somebody, be more effective as a police officer,” Martin said.
His long-time employees said he’s played a major role in recruiting good hires and pushing for station upgrades, like a new building.
“He built Pearisburg PD basically, and he taught us everything that he’s learned over the years, and we have a really good department here now,” Pearisburg Police Captain Richard Gautier said.
Staff said they’ll miss Martin, but are happy to know he’ll still be around town.
“I think we’re going to try to just carry on his legacy and what he started and just try to continue to operate the way that he has,” Pearisburg Police Lieutenant Danny Ratcliffe said.
Martin said his son is continuing his family legacy in law enforcement. He’s recently employed with the Giles County Sheriff’s Office.