It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Martin J. Mayer; simply “Marty” to thousands of you throughout the state and to those of us in the Jones & Mayer family. Marty was found unresponsive at his home Sunday evening and transported to Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, where he passed away Monday morning, January 30, 2017. The cause is unknown. Marty’s family has asked for privacy at this difficult time. There will be a celebration of Marty’s life in approximately 30 days – the exact date is still to be determined.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Marty came to California and was admitted to the California Bar in 1977 after a number of years in law practice in New York. His transition to us from New York was occasioned by his participation in a federal grant to, as Marty put it, “solve crime in Compton”. Having done so (he would have said with a wry twinkle in his eye), Marty proceeded to virtually invent the legal practice field of serving police chiefs and sheriffs, both individually throughout the state and for many years as general counsel to CPOA, CPCA and CSSA. He has been honored for his service in this field, as we are confident he will be honored still.

While our loss is profound and painful, we are comforted by our individual and collective memory of his leadership, his mentorship, his wisdom, and his compassion as a leader in law enforcement and in the legal profession. But most especially, he is remembered as our dear friend who was always there, and who never abandoned a comrade who had stumbled or fallen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Orange County Chapter of ALS at weboc.alsa.org.

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