Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner Jim Schomig today announced the promotion of Joe Martin to Deputy Warden at Bell County Forestry Camp (BCFC). His promotion was effective Nov. 1.

“Joe Martin is an all-around Corrections professional,” said Schomig. “He is a seasoned officer who commands respect by giving it to others and also by having done just about every job there is to do at his prison. He is extremely deserving of this promotion.”

Martin began his career at BCFC as a correctional officer in April 1989. He was promoted to Correctional Sergeant on October 1, 1991, and to Correctional Lieutenant on August 1, 1993. He was again promoted in August 2002, this time to the rank of Correctional Captain II. He has worked as road crew officer, fire crew supervisor, operations officer, dorm control officer, yard and landscape officer, assisted the maintenance department and overseen several additions to the institution. Martin has also served as the prison’s adjustment committee officer, internal affairs officer, ACA team member and any other capacity where and when needed. As a result of his professionalism and dedication to his job, he is highly respected by fellow staff and inmates.

A resident of Middlesboro, he and his wife Linda have two daughters, Tamara Henson and Valerie Cyrus, and two granddaughters, Emily and Brooklyn.