City Council honors Sgt. Perry Martin Sr. 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI HONORING AND COMMENDING SGT. PERRY MARTIN, SR. AS AN OUTSTANDING CITIZEN WITH A SINCERE HEART TO SERVE AND ENLIGHTEN COMMUNITY 

WHEREAS, Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes, in deepest tradition, accords highest commendation to persons who broaden the horizons of family, friends and community; Sgt. Perry Martin, Sr. attended the schools of the Jackson Public School District, graduating from Jim Hill High School, 1963; his educational quest led him to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice; rising through the ranks, his professional career with the Jackson Police Department spanned over forty-seven (47) years; his roles included: Supervisor, School Liaison Officers Program; Court Liaison Office; Central Services Division; D.A.R.E. Program; Watch Shift II Supervisor, Precinct 2; Supervisor- Precinct 4; Youth Detention Center Supervisor and most notably, Public Information Office for a decade; other areas of service include Coordinator, Police Community Relations Unit; Director, Police Explorers Program; and 

WHEREAS, Sgt. Martin, Sr., recognized throughout the community as “Officer Friendly,” is lauded for fairness, mentorship and fostering positive community relations; following his retirement, he joined Hinds County Sheriff’s Department Community Outreach Division as Deputy Chief; he yet labors in public service as a Board Member of Community Services and Community Action Programs advising on initiatives to heighten quality of life; and

 WHEREAS, Sgt. Martin, Sr., a man of deep faith, was nurtured at St. James Missionary Baptist Church; currently he is a member of Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church, where he served as Superintendent of School; a talented musician, he played as lead guitarist for The Spirituals Clouds of Joy for more than forty (40) years, traveling throughout Mississippi and other areas inspiring others; his accolades are numerous: Jackson Jaycees Young Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, Outstanding Man of America Honor, JPD Officer of the Quarter and the highest honor, District Award of Merit, Boy Scouts of America; and 

WHEREAS, Sgt. Martin continues to serve as family patriarch, community leader and mentor; he is Executive Producer for his wife, Yolanda’s “Better to Listen to Grammy” social media platform. He stands as a testimony to faith, “par excellence,” wisdom and service in advancing quality life for others; we rise with his wife, Mrs. Yolanda Martin; daughters, Renée and Zina (deceased); son, Perry, Jr. (Ph.D.), extended family and friends in highest tribute to Sgt. Perry Martin, Sr.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes and his Council colleagues do hereby highly esteem and honor Sgt. Perry Martin, Sr., an outstanding citizen with a sincere heart to serve and enlighten community. 

DONE this the 14th day of July, 2026 

Brian Grizzell, President of Council, Ward Four

Ashby Foote, Ward One 

Montyne Clay, Ward Two 

Kenneth I. Stokes, Ward Three 

Vernon Hartley, Vice President of Council, Ward Five 

LaShia Brown-Thomas, Ward Six

Kevin Parkinson, Ward Seven