- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: October 13, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON
of florida
in the house of representatives
Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Officer Arthur Martineau. I include in the Record the following proclamation:
Whereas, Arthur Walter “Big Art” Martineau was born on
October 31, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Miami
Beach in the 1980s, where he began a lifelong mission of
giving back to his community; and
Whereas, Arthur Martineau, driven by the experiences of his
youth in Brooklyn and the absence of police presence in his
neighborhood, embarked on a distinguished law enforcement
career in 1997 with the City of Miami Beach Police
Department, earning a reputation for unwavering dedication to
public service and community engagement; and
Whereas, Officer Martineau was appointed Executive Director
of the Miami Beach Police Athletic League (PAL) in 2010,
where he worked tirelessly to prevent juvenile delinquency
and provide opportunities for young people in Miami Beach,
creating transformative programs that changed countless lives
for the better; and
Whereas, Arthur Martineau honorably served his country as a
proud veteran of the United States Air Force and pursued his
education with great determination, earning a bachelor's
degree in criminal justice and law enforcement administration
from the Union Institute and University: and
Whereas, throughout his distinguished career, Officer
Martineau received numerous accolades, including the City of
Miami Beach Employee of the Year award in 2018, and on May
25th of that year, the Mayor and City Commission of Miami
Beach declared it “Officer Art and Deborah Martineau Day”
in recognition of his exemplary dedication to his community;
and
Whereas, Officer Martineau's leadership and vision extended
beyond his professional responsibilities, mentoring aspiring
law enforcement officers, coaching youth football, and
helping numerous teenagers secure full scholarships to
prestigious universities, leaving an indelible impact on the
lives of those he served; and
Whereas, Officer Martineau was known for his charm, wit,
and love of life, embracing simple pleasures such as oatmeal
cookies, family vacations to Jamaica, movies, and cheering
for his beloved New York Jets; and
Whereas, despite being diagnosed with esophageal cancer in
September 2023, Officer Martineau demonstrated extraordinary
courage and resilience, continuing his role as Executive
Director of Miami Beach PAL and serving his community with
steadfast passion and dedication until his passing on January
23, 2025; and
Whereas, Officer Martineau leaves behind his devoted wife,
Officer Deborah Martineau, who continues to serve the Miami
Beach Police Department with distinction, their five beloved
children—Antrena Martineau, Nichole Doty, Demetrius Smith,
Alexis Martineau, and Arthur Martineau, III—and a vast
network of friends, colleagues, and mentees who were
profoundly impacted by his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering
commitment to improving the lives of others; and
Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,
a Member of the United States House of Representatives
representing the 24th Congressional District of
Florida, am honored to recognize the life of Officer Arthur
Walter “Big Art” Martineau will forever inspire those who
follow in his footsteps to serve with honor, integrity, and
love for their community.