Odin C. Martinez

Sadly, Odin Martinez, retired Schuyler Police Department K9 Officer, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025 due to health complications.

A Celebration of Life for Odin will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Schuyler Community Church at 802 A Street. Visitation will be from 10 until 11 a.m. at the church. Following the service, refreshments will be served in the church social hall. Svoboda Moravec Johnson Mortuary is assisting Odin's family with service arrangements. 

We honor and remember Patrol Service Dog (PSD) Odin — a loyal partner, a fierce protector, and a cherished member of the Martinez family and Schuyler community.

Born July 31, 2016, and originally named Hansel, Odin began his journey with the Schuyler Police Department in August 2018 thanks to the generosity of the Schuyler community. Purchased entirely through donations, Odin was more than a K9 officer — he was a symbol of unity, trust, and dedication.

Odin was quickly certified in narcotics detection and detention work, proving that size doesn’t define strength. After his first handler left the department in 2020, Sgt. Michael Martinez was given the great honor of becoming his partner. What followed was not just training, but a journey of mutual learning, respect, and trust.

Though Sgt. Martinez was new to working with PSDs, Odin had experience and heart. He guided Sgt. Martinez through the intense Lincoln Police Department’s Patrol Service Dog Training. It was there Martinez realized Odin wasn’t just a working dog — he was Martinez's teammate, and more than that, he was family. The pair passed the training, not just as a team, but as bonded partners.

Throughout their years together, Odin gave his all — assisting multiple law enforcement agencies, attending community events, school demos, and meet-and-greets. Off duty, Odin seamlessly became part of Martinez's household. He wasn't just a work partner; he was part of the Martinez family. Sgt. Martinez's wife and kids adored him.

In 2023, due to arthritis, Odin was retired early. He was celebrated with a heartfelt retirement party at the Schuyler Senior Center, where the community came out in force — showing the same love and support that brought him to the Schuyler Police Department years ago.

Odin leaves behind a legacy of service, loyalty, and love. He wasn’t just a Police Service Dog — he was Odin Charles Martinez to the Martinez kids, a hero to the public, and a best friend to Sgt. Michael Martinez.

Rest easy, Odin. You served with courage, and you were loved beyond words.