By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
A local non-profit organization is encouraging the community and wanting to support a late Saline County patrol deputy's family, who took his own life.
Salina Guns & Hoses (non-profit) led by Saline Co. Lt. Michael Ascher, have encouraged community members on Facebook to donate towards the "Judy Martin Memorial." Judy Martin is the daughter of late Saline Co. patrol deputy J.W. Martin III.
According to Lt. Ascher, Salina Guns & Hoses will be accepting all donations for Judy and her family. All donations sent to the organization will be matched up to $1,500. Lt. Ascher encourages people to support the Martin family in any way possible.
"For those who feel compelled to help, we want to be there for them. If you’re unable to help financially, I know the family would love to be in your thoughts and prayers" said Lt. Ascher.
Mental Health Awareness
With May being "Mental Health Awareness Month," Lt. Ascher highlighted the importance on spreading mental health awareness and commented on the battles 1st responders and military personnel face on a daily basis.
"A community who respects and appreciates our 1st responders, but who may or may not quite fully understand the demons that some of us battle. It’s not just law enforcement officers on the front line either. It’s the fire fighters, paramedics, dispatchers (I’d argue they might be in the worst position of all), and our military." stated Lt. Ascher.
According to Lt. Ascher, Judy Martin's mother has requested that the Saline Co. Sheriff's Office looks into their current mental health awareness process.
"If we can help save even one officer by making it easier to get help, then we would have succeeded" said Lt. Ascher.
Saline Co. Sheriff's Office Gives Remarks and Thoughts
Saline Co. K9 Deputy Craig Norris was Martin's partner for 10 years during duty. He talked about that he "spent alot of time" working with Martin and how Martin was always there for him.
"He always had my back" said Norris.
Norris commented that he never really talked about anything personal outside of work and was very much to himself. However, he stated that Martin was "really affected" when Martin told him his sister passed away from cancer.
"He had a good heart and was a great guy. He was proud to be a cop and I feel like he always wanted to prove himself. I am still in shock about what happened and I think to myself if I could have done something to help. Mental health is important" said Norris.
Saline Co. Sheriff Roger Soldan was the Captain in Corrections when J.W. first worked for the Sheriff's Office back in July 2012. He commented on how grateful J.W. was when he worked with the Sheriff's Office.
"In June of 2014, J.W. was promoted to the position of Patrol Deputy. I know J.W. was proud of his position as Law Enforcement Officer and he served as a Field Training Officer for a number of new patrol deputies" said Sheriff Soldan.
J.W. Martin III passed away on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Make a Donation Today
Donations can be made at any Bennington State Bank location. Simply tell them you are donating to Salina Guns & Hoses for the "Judy Martin Memorial."
You can contact Salina Guns & Hoses on their Facebook page or send them an email ([email protected]) and any further arrangements will be made.
Or you can donate to the Salina Guns & Hoses PayPal link: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/147442?
Salina Guns & Hoses is an organization that promotes positive community relations with civil service men and women, while supporting local area families in need.