Santa Clara Promotes Police Officer to Sergeant

Village approves recommendation to elevate Ronald Martinez to new role

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Santa Clara Board of Trustees voted to promote police officer Ronald Martinez to the role of police sergeant during their regular meeting on Thursday. Mayor Arnold Lopez said the promotion was made on the recommendation of the police chief and was effective as of February 15 at a rate of $26 per hour.

Why it matters

The promotion of Ronald Martinez to sergeant is part of the Santa Clara Police Department's efforts to maintain full staffing levels. The department is working to be back at full strength by May, according to Police Chief Lonnie Sandoval.

The details

The trustees also approved the resignation of police Sgt. Clinton Ford, whose last day was February 14. Mayor Lopez thanked Ford for his work, noting he had found other opportunities with the county. The board voted to hire a part-time delivery driver at $15 per hour for the Santa Clara Senior Center to help with the current workload of 51 meal deliveries from Hanover to Arenas Valley.

  • The promotion of Ronald Martinez to sergeant was effective on February 15, 2026.
  • Sgt. Clinton Ford's last day was February 14, 2026.
  • The Santa Clara Police Department aims to be back at full staffing by May 2026.

The players

Ronald Martinez

A police officer who was promoted to the role of police sergeant in Santa Clara.

Arnold Lopez

The mayor of Santa Clara who announced the promotion of Ronald Martinez.

Lonnie Sandoval

The police chief of the Santa Clara Police Department.

Clinton Ford

A police sergeant in Santa Clara who resigned to take a new opportunity with the county.

Sheila Hudman

The village administrator of Santa Clara.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you, guys, for trusting me for so long.”

— Ronald Martinez, Police Sergeant (scdailypress.com)

“He found other opportunities with the county right now, so that's where his new life will be.”

— Arnold Lopez, Mayor (scdailypress.com)

What’s next

The Santa Clara Board of Trustees will decide in March whether the village will operate all four senior centers in Grant County or just the one in Santa Clara.

The takeaway

The promotion of Ronald Martinez to police sergeant is part of the Santa Clara Police Department's efforts to maintain full staffing levels, which is crucial for ensuring public safety in the community.