Keith Martin dedicated nearly three decades to law enforcement, serving with distinction in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). As the Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division, which included Cleveland, Martin was committed to keeping communities safe. “When we are on the streets, we know who are threats,” he told reporters in 2020.
After retiring from the DEA in 2022, Martin and his family were confronted with an unexpected battle. Just days before Christmas that year, he was hospitalized at the Cleveland Clinic, where doctors diagnosed him with stage 4 lung cancer. “I never smoked; it’s a rare mutation that I have with lung cancer. It’s called ALK. I’m ALK-positive, and it only occurs in 2 to 5% of lung cancer patients,” he explained in a recent interview.
Despite responding well to a new targeted therapy introduced by Cleveland Clinic doctors in the fall of 2024, Martin’s health declined last month. Surrounded by loved ones, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service and resilience.
“We all lost a great hero, a true patriot,” said Chief Brian Byard of the Aurora Police Department. “Keith had a unique personality; he always made everyone feel valued. He taught us that absolutely nothing can’t be fixed with good humor.”
His obituary reflected the deep bonds he formed throughout his career. “During his tenure with the DEA, he formed a close-knit brotherhood with his colleagues, who became like family to him, as well as the many individuals within the Federal, State, and Local law enforcement sector.”
Pete Elliot, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio, remembered Martin as both a leader and a friend. “Keith was more than a law enforcement partner as the SAC for DEA, he was my friend and my neighbor. Over my four decades in law enforcement in Northeast Ohio, Keith will go down as one of the greatest leaders federal law enforcement in Ohio has ever seen, as well as being one of the best friends and neighbors that anyone could ever ask for. I will miss Keith deeply on all fronts.”
Martin was 59 years old. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location.