When the call came in on March 11, 2026, it was clear that Sergeant Rique Martinez and his family were facing a battle no parent should ever have to endure.
Sergeant Martinez, who serves at the Howard McLeod Correctional Center in Oklahoma, is a devoted father to eight children, all under the age of 14. Together with his wife, Brandi, also a member of the Department of Corrections, their home is built on love, service, and an unwavering commitment to family. Among their children was one-year-old Ezekiel, a bright light whose presence brought joy to everyone around him.
For weeks, Ezekiel had been struggling with unexplained health issues, including severe dehydration that required repeated hospital visits. Trusting their instincts as parents, Sergeant Martinez and Brandi made the decision to seek further answers at Oklahoma University Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, over 150 miles from home.
It was there that their world changed.
A CT scan revealed a brain tumor that was preventing fluid from draining properly. Ezekiel was immediately admitted, and doctors moved quickly to perform surgery to relieve the pressure. A biopsy was taken, and while results were pending, medical staff shared their concern that the tumor was aggressive.
Despite the procedure, Ezekiel continued to fight through immense challenges. He suffered seizures, endured intense pain, and faced complications from treatment. His parents remained by his side through it all—Brandi staying at the hospital, and Sergeant Martinez balancing the needs of their large family while traveling back and forth to be with his son.
On March 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, Ezekiel passed away.
CPOF Responds
When the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation received this request, we acted immediately.
Through our Catastrophic Assistance Program, CPOF provided support to help ease the burden of ongoing medical and travel expenses as the family remained by Ezekiel’s side during his hospitalization.
Following his passing, CPOF also provided Bereavement Assistance to help support the family with funeral expenses—ensuring they could focus on honoring Ezekiel’s life and supporting one another during this heartbreaking time.
The assistance was presented to Sergeant Martinez with the support of Warden Kameron Harvanek, Chief of Security Tamblyn Klepper, and Field Representative Debbie Moore. Chief Klepper’s consistent and compassionate outreach, checking in daily throughout Ezekiel’s illness and each hospitalization, served as a powerful example of the care and commitment shared within the corrections community.
Sergeant Martinez expressed his deep gratitude for the support his family received, a reflection not only of the assistance itself but of the strength of the correctional community standing behind him.
Taking Care of Our Own
In corrections, we often speak of brotherhood and sisterhood—but moments like this define what those words truly mean.
When one of our own faces tragedy, we stand together.
We show up.
We lift each other through the unimaginable.
Ezekiel’s life, though far too short, was filled with love, purpose, and a family who fought tirelessly for him every step of the way. His story is one of courage, devotion, and the unbreakable bond of family.
At CPOF, we remain committed to ensuring that no correctional professional walks through these moments alone.
Because when the call comes, we answer.
And together, we take care of our own.