Dozens of Garfield County residents gathered at the Hotel Colorado on Friday for a Western-themed celebration of longtime Commissioner John Martin’s retirement.

Guests hugged, chatted and snapped photos with the former commissioner, enjoying hors d’oeuvres while reminiscing over Martin’s time in office.

“I’ve known John for 23 of his 28 years in the county and have watched him for a long time,” Garfield County Manager Fred Jarman said. “He’s a gentleman public servant and he’s made a lot of decisions over all those years and always celebrates the citizens. It’ll be sad to see him go because he’s been a mentor for many, and a teacher for me, and he will be sorely missed.”

After serving seven terms, Martin’s seat as District 2 County Commissioner will be filled by former State Sen. Perry Will of New Castle. Will and incumbent Commissioner Mike Samson will be sworn into office at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the Garfield County Administration Building, 108 8th St., Room 100. 

“John Martin is one of the smartest men that I know in my life. When I was elected 16 years ago to serve with him, I considered it one of the greatest honors of my life to work with him,” Samson said. “He has been a mentor to me, an example to me, to help me learn how to be a good commissioner…I owe a debt of gratitude to him for what he has taught me and how he has served so nobly and so faithfully and so loyally to the people of Garfield County.” 

Martin’s work in the community began long before his first term as a commissioner in 1996. For 24 years, Martin worked for the Glenwood Springs Police Department before retiring as an administrative sergeant in 1997.

He announced his decision not to run for re-election, and his impending retirement from public service, in January 2024, stating that it’s time to take care of his family. 

“I hope he really enjoys his retirement and we will miss him. We’re pro oil and gas, and we just appreciated all the work that that provided everyone in our town,” Jerri Ann Singer, a Rifle resident who attended Martin’s retirement party, said. “He’s probably one of the best people that we have ever met.”

Although Martin is hanging up his hat as a commissioner, he still plans to work. 

“I’m going to get me a real job now, do some more good,” he said.

“I can shovel snow, I can chop wood, I can sweep the floor, wash dishes, I can do the roofing, I can collate, I can make copies,” Martin added. “Whatever anybody needs, I’m there.”