Spotlight on: Craig Martinez

A law enforcement instructor at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness, Craig Martinez has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including nine years in the Marine Corps and more than 16 as a New York City police officer.

Following Hurricane Sandy, in 2012, Martinez was instrumental in the development of the city’s Urban Water Rescue Program. Later, when he was assigned to the NYPD’s Disorder Control Unit, he created the department’s Strategic Response Group Bicycle Mobile Field Force.

Martinez has responded to or worked several major events in his career, from protests and riots to tennis’ U.S. Open and New York’s famed Thanksgiving Day parade.

“It is my passion to help create programs and train first responders; challenging them to practice and incorporate the things they’re taught into everyday response,” said Martinez. “My goal is to make sure our first responders receive realistic and thorough training and feel confident.”