Retiring Glenwood Police Captain Proud Of Department's Progress

Capt. Pat Martin of the Glenwood Police Department is officially retiring today, after spending 26 years fulfilling his childhood dream of being a police officer.

“Even as a small kid, I always wanted to be a police officer,” Martin said during an interview last week. “Yeah, I guess I was inspired by some of those TV shows, - Starsky and Hutch, T.J. Hooker.”

Martin grew up in Sidney and graduated from Sidney High School in 1987, but didn’t enter law enforcement until the age of 28.

“Things kind of changed for me a little bit when I got to high school and took some business classes,” he said. “I kind of shifted to accounting.”

Martin took business classes at Northwest Missouri State University and Peru State College before going to work at a factory in Nebraska City. He worked at the factory for 10 years before applying for an open position with the Glenwood Police Departmemt.

Martin was hired by then Interim Police Chief Steve Liddell in October 1997. He graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1998.

Initially, Martin worked as a patrol officer but took on new responsibilieis over the years.

“I was the defensive tactics instructor for several years here,” he said.

During his career with Glenwood PD, Martin worked with four chiefs - Liddell, Dave Smith, John O’Connor and current chief Eric Johansen.

During his tenure with the department, Martin was involved in several memorable investigations - including the shooting of two fellow law enforcement officers and fatal shootings at a Glenwood bowling alley and an assisted living facility.

Martin said he’s proud of the growth and development of the department that’s occurred over the past 26 years.

“Overall, the big picture, over the years the direction we’ve taken,” he said. “Being careful about who we hire and taking pride in the work that we do. I think this department has come a long way.

“I feel like we have more of a community-based policing attitude. There’s more to law enforcement than just arresting people.”

Maybe the most gratifying aspect of Martin’s job has been the positive relationship the police department has maintained with the Glenwood community. He noted that the community is very supportive of law enforcement and that’s contributed to the stability of the department over the years.

Martin said he wants to retire while being on top of his game and before he starts to feel “burned out.” The timing feels right, he said.

He has no immediate plans for retirement, othan than to have a torn rotator cuff injury repaired.