‘He was just a down to earth guy’: Neighborhood reacts to sudden loss of Shafter Police Sgt. Moises Martinez

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Emotions are running high for people who live in this neighborhood after being shocked by the sudden loss of Shafter Police Sgt. Moises Martinez.

“Heartbreaking, just really sad,” said neighbor Herminia Encinas. “I can’t process it right now. We’ve known him for a really long time.”

That sentiment was shared by members of just about every Kern County law enforcement agency, peace officers visibly emotional, as they arrived to the scene and particularly while taking part in a procession to honor Martinez’s life of service.

“It’s just heartbreaking, it really is, you know I’m going to miss the guy…I really am,” said neighbor Isaac Encinas.

Sgt. Martinez began as a full-time officer with the Shafter Police Department in 2004 and was promoted to his current rank of Sergeant in 2023. According to the department, he was instrumental in developing the Police Activities League and was awarded numerous times by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for taking drunk drivers off the road.

In a statement, Acting Chief of Police Randy Milligan said Martinez served with, “unwavering dedication, courage, and integrity.”

Neighbors said he was also a pillar in his community.

“Just because he was a police officer, he didn’t try to act like he was all that…like he was too good or anything like that. He was just a down to earth guy so yeah, he’ll be missed,” said Isaac Encinas.

Sgt. Martinez leaves behind a wife and two children, who many in the area are worried for as answers remain as to what caused the officer’s death.

“Really nice guy, very caring toward his family,” said Herminia Encinas. “My hearts broken for them it really is.”

His legacy of service will remain, echoed in the words of Chief Milligan’s statement, stating, “He exemplified what it means to protect and serve, always putting others before himself. We will continue to honor Sgt. Martinez’s legacy by upholding the values and commitment to service that he lived every day.”

We reached out to the coroner’s office and were told they do not have any information to provide regarding the cause of death at this time.

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