Support Marty's Granite Memorial Placement

Martin Stuart Sowders – RIP. “Marty” was born on the 13th of September 1946; and passed away on the 19th day of November 1976; after having been accidentally shot by another Deputy, while in the process of apprehending a robbery suspect. The shooting occurred on the 18th of November 1976, which was his wife’s birthday (Becky).

When hired by the Clark County Sheriff’s Department on the 2nd day of February 1972, Marty had been a sworn officer in a couple of other jurisdictions; one as a reserve officer. On the date of his hire at the CCSO, there were ten (10) other officers who were also hired. Of that group, he is the only one to ever be killed in-the-line-of-duty.

When Marty’s funeral took place, over five hundred officers of numerous jurisdictions attended. In the lengthy interim, efforts were made to provide a proper memorial for Marty; the most recent being when the then Clark County Commissioners passed a motion to re-name the Clark County Operations Center in his name, since he was shot immediately in front of that facility. That action took place on the 13th of April 2014; and the re-naming never took place. He was also immortalized by the Sheriff’s office on the 14th day of May 2015; when he was granted the Medal of Honor.

Again, in the interim, and in discussions with Becky; a solution came to light – that being the placement of a granite memorial near the flagpole at the Clark County Operations Center. Eventually, through numerous conversations and other contacts with County personnel who have the authority to allow such placement; the Board of Councilors finally authorized the placement of the memorial on the 26th day of March 2025.

We have an initial bid from Vancouver Granite Works for the creation and placement of the memorial; as well as having a draft of the inscription to be placed upon the memorial. Total estimated cost will be $3,000.

After all these years, Marty will finally have a fitting monument, dedicated to his memory, which will endure until the end-of-time. Donations for the cost of the monument and placement are solicited.