Trooper First Class Dung Xuan Tran Martinez

January 15, 1964 - October 21, 2021

Trooper First Class Dung Xuan Tran Martinez was born to Bac and Jack Martinez in Vietnam on January 15, 1964. The family immigrated to the United States in 1975 and settled in Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Abington High School and The Pennsylvania State University.

Trooper Martinez enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police on April 24, 2000, and graduated as a member of the 107th cadet class. During his career, he served at Troop K, Media; Troop J, Lancaster; and Troop M, Trevose. He received the Blooming Grove Service Award for taking part in the 2014 manhunt of Eric Frein.

Trooper Martinez passed away from complications of COVID-19 on October 21, 2021. He had served with the department for 21 years and was last assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop T, King of Prussia.

“Our department expresses deep sorrow for the sudden loss of a colleague and friend,” State Police Commissioner Robert Evanchick said. “We wish Trooper Martinez’s family and friends comfort and peace during this difficult time and ask Pennsylvanians to keep them in their thoughts.”

Retired Major Douglas Burig recalled the pleasure of working with Trooper Martinez at Troop J, Lancaster. “It was readily apparent that [Trooper Martinez] cared deeply about the people he served and his fellow troopers,” said Burig. “His personal story about the path he took and the obstacles he overcame to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper was truly inspiring.”

A celebration of life ceremony was held at Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Life Celebration Home in East Norriton and he was buried in Hope Cemetery in Cranesville (Erie County) on November 1, 2021.

Trooper Martinez is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sandra; and children, Kenneth and Laramie.

At 57 years of age, Trooper Martinez became the 100th Pennsylvania State Trooper who died in the line of duty.