Two years ago, a friend told Martiez Mullins to stop in and apply for a position at the Clark County Jail. 

Now, Mullins said it’s one of the best decisions he has ever made. 

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” he said.

Mullins, 42, is a field training officer (FTO) at the jail. Before working at the jail, Mullins has had numerous jobs over the years including working on furniture, making car parts, making supplements and more. 

As an FTO, the Lexington native trains new employees and ensures everyone is running booking correctly. 

“I just keep the flow going,” he said.

The best part about the job, though, is the camaraderie. 

“It’s like having a bunch of brothers and sisters,” Mullins said.

However, Mullins said it is difficult to see inmates who continuously land themselves back in jail after being released, usually for the same crime that had landed them in jail the first time.

In other instances, Mullins said it is rewarding to see people who suffered from addiction recover while serving time.

“It’s a whole transformation of a person,” Mullins said.

Mullins said he recalls a trip to the Boyd County Jail to aid in an active riot which made him appreciate how well-run the Clark County Jail is. 

Outside of work, Mullins said he jumps from one coaching gig to the next, coaching for his son’s baseball team, basketball team and more. He also likes to stay up-to-date on the latest Jeopardy episodes.

Mullins has five children; he and his wife were foster parents for 10 years and ended up adopting a child because of their experience as foster parents.

For 2019, Mullins said he has a goal of spending more time with his family. 

“I don’t feel like I spend enough time with them,” he said.

Mullins said being around his children, watching them grow up and become their own person has humbled him.

“Just knowing I did raise good kids,” he said.

As for the future, Mullins said he is happy as an FTO at the Clark County Jail, but in his spare time, he plans to keep cooking with a goal of opening a food truck one day.

“I really like to cook,” Mullins said.