Deputy who served Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office for 2 decades dies unexpectedly

A longtime deputy with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office — who retired from the agency in 2022 but returned to serve as an on-call deputy — died unexpectedly Thursday.

Deputy Martin Garcia died at his home. A cause was not disclosed, but the Sheriff’s Office in a social media post announcing his death called it “unexpected and tragic.” He was 54.

“He will be sorely missed,” Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper said online.

Garcia, who has been serving the community since 2002, was described by the Sheriff’s Office as a “dedicated and a beloved” colleague. He served in the U.S. Navy before joining the force.

The Sheriff’s Office said Garcia retired in 2022, but he returned that same year as an “on-call” deputy assigned to Sacramento International Airport.

Cooper said his heart is heavy for Garcia’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow Deputies,” the Sheriff’s Office said.