SAN DIEGO–Sheriff Bill Gore Monday has appointed Assistant Sheriff Kelly Martinez to undersheriff.
She will be replacing Undersheriff Mike Barnett who is retiring after 29 years of service to the Sheriff’s Department.
“We thank Undersheriff Barnett for his dedication and stellar work to keep our communities safe,” the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
Kelly joined the Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in 1985 and was assigned to the Las Colinas and Descanso Detention Facilities. In 1988, Kelly was assigned to the Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation where she worked as a patrol deputy. She was later assigned to investigations and worked narcotics, gangs and several intelligence-related assignments. Her strong leadership skills, hard work and self-motivation were just a few of the qualities that led to her being promoted to sergeant in 2007. Over the next several years while serving in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility, Kelly was promoted to the ranks of lieutenant, captain, commander and eventually assistant sheriff in 2017.
“Kelly brings to the position exceptional work ethic and commitment to the mission of the department. I am confident her wealth of experience and passion for community outreach will keep San Diego the safest urban county in the nation,” Sheriff Gore says.