Delaware County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office

Russell L. Martin was sworn in as Sheriff of Delaware County in June, 2012 and in November of that same year was elected to serve a 4-year term. He was re-elected to serve a 2nd term in November 2016 and his 3rd term in November 2020.

Sheriff Martin brings to the Sheriff’s Office four decades of law enforcement experience, having served with the City of Delaware Police Department for 31 years, the last eight as the Chief of Police.

Sheriff Martin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University. Additionally, he graduated from the following:

• F.B.I. National Academy
• The Certified Law Enforcement Executive program
• Police Executive Leadership College
• National Sheriffs Institute.

Currently, Sheriff Martin teaches leadership and ethical decision-making classes at:

• The Ohio State University, John Glenn College of Public Affairs
• The Police Executive Leadership College
• The Pointman Leadership Institute.

Sheriff Martin’s past professional experience includes:

• President of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police
• Member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a member of the Police Executive Research Forum.

Sheriff Martin served in 2017-2018 as co-chair of Turning Point’s campaign to raise $3.2 million for a local domestic violence shelter, the first ever in Delaware County, and he currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Sheriff Martin is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Bowling Green State University.

Sheriff Martin and his wife have been married 40+ years and have resided in Delaware County for more than 30 years. Mrs. Martin is a retired intervention specialist teacher. They have two grown children – both graduates of The Ohio State University – and one granddaughter.