Local Police Veteran, 44, Dies In His Sleep

FEDERAL WAY, WA - Federal Way police are mourning the loss of an officer this week. Frank Martin died in his sleep early Monday morning at age 44. A 10-year veteran of the Federal Way police department, Martin had been diagnosed with cancer in November.

Citizens and police officers around Puget Sound are sending condolences to Martin and his family. He was married with two children, ages 6 and 7.

Martin grew up in Eastern Washington in the city of Sunnyside, which is southeast of Yakima. Martin graduated from Central Washington University and began his law enforcement career at the King County Jail as a corrections officer.

Martin worked as a motorcycle officer in Federal Way. He was injured in an on-duty accident last July. During his recovery, doctors discovered colon cancer. The cancer was in an advanced stage and had spread to Martin's hip.

Federal Way police have not yet announced plans for a memorial for Martin. Martin's friends have set up a fundraiserhave set up a fundraiser to help his wife pay for medical expenses.

Image courtesy Federal Way police