Leonard Martinez may be an agent of the law, but as the school resource officer at Durango High School, he considers that role secondary. His first priority, he says, has always been to be a supportive figure for students.
Martinez has served with the Durango Police Department for 32 years, including 25 years as a school resource officer. At 68, he is preparing to retire on Friday.
Reflecting on his career, he emphasized his gratitude for a job that has allowed him to be a part of the Durango community.
“It’s been probably one of the most rewarding jobs you could have as a police officer,” he said.
The responsibilities of a school resource officer are wide-ranging, said DHS Principal Jon Hoerl. The primary goal is to ensure the safety and security of the building and campus, while also serving as a liaison between school staff and the police department. Additionally, the officer helps educate students on topics related to the law, personal safety and responsibility.
Retirement will mean stepping back from the many other roles he has taken on. Martinez served as the Southwest representative for the Colorado Association of School Resource Officers for 14 years and sat on the La Plata Youth Council Advisory Board.
He’s played a part in shaping state policy: He worked on the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a bill aimed at reducing the number of incarcerated minors, as well as legislation to restrict and regulate the sale and use of tobacco products.
Despite his role as an authority figure and officer of the law, Martinez has always taken a compassionate, personal and educational approach to discipline.
“You’ve got to treat everybody the same way you expect to be treated, regardless of what they’ve done, because you don’t know for sure,” he said. “Even when kids get themselves in trouble, I want to look at other resources to deal with what’s occurred and try to make it a learning experience.”
Hoerl, who has worked with Martinez for nine years, said the longtime school resource officer consistently places education first.
When students make poor decisions, Martinez uses it as an opportunity to talk to them about what it looks like to make better choices, and he works to understand what kind of help and support each individual student needs to do that, Hoerl said.
“You’ve got to remember, they’re young,” Martinez said. “They don’t really know the full scope of their actions.”
To him, the role of school resource officer is more than just law enforcement; it’s about being an extension of every family, stepping in where kids might be lacking love, attention or someone to talk to.
That philosophy has shaped the legacy Martinez leaves behind.
“Over the years, he’s taken a few students under his wing to mentor them,” said Durango Police Officer Jim Martindale, who has worked closely with Martinez for 12 years.
Martindale said one of Martinez’s greatest strengths is his patience, especially with students who have special needs or difficult home lives.
Martinez traces that quality back to his own childhood.
His father spent several years hospitalized when he was young.
“We were that family that struggled,” Martinez said. “My mom was trying to keep my sister and me clothed, with food on the table. And it was tough. So I understand some of these kids.”
Still, he had a strong family unit. Although imperfect, it was rooted in unconditional love, Martinez said. And he believes those experiences shaped his values and his approach to the job.
“I would love to see parents just take more time with their kids, because you only have them for a certain amount of time,” he said. “That’s always been one of my biggest things. I think that a lot of our kids who struggle don’t have that connection with family.”
Family remains central in Martinez’s life. He and his wife, Barbara Martinez, have raised three children and play an active role in the lives of their 13 grandchildren.
And Martinez is still head over heels for her.
“She’s a wonderful lady. I couldn’t ask for anyone better,” he said. “You know, we talk about (our relationship) now that we’re starting to get older and, oh boy, I can’t imagine my life without my wife.”
As for what’s next? Martinez isn’t rushing into anything. Leaving is bittersweet, he said, but it’s time.
“It’s time for me to let somebody else that’s younger and motivated take over,” he said. “Ultimately, I’ll end up back at work doing something. What that’s going to look like? I don’t know. I’m in no hurry.”
jbowman@durangoherald.com
