Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Celebrates Junny’s Birthday, Anniversary and Recent Promotion to Major

junny was named in honor of Junny Rios-Martinez Jr. who was murdered in 1991

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Today is the day we celebrate “Junny’s” birthday as it is the anniversary of the day he joined our agency and it is also the true birthday of his namesake, Junny Rios- Martinez Jr., a young man who was taken from our community years ago and who will forever live in our hearts.

I often reflect on how amazing it is that “Junny” joined our agency at just 10 weeks old on the same month and day of the year that Junny Rios Martinez Jr. was born.

Even more, I reflect on the divine intervention that went into him being named “Junny” weeks later after a “name that puppy” contest yielded over 5,000 names with the third name on the list being “Junny” in honor of Junny Rios-Martinez Jr. who was abducted and murdered in 1991.

As “Junny” travels with me throughout the county he serves as an amazing Ambassador for our agency, but more importantly, he carries on the legacy of Junny Rios-Martinez Jr., so in appreciation for all he does I recently promoted “Junny” to the rank of Major and a member of our agency Command Staff.

As you find a little humor reading through “Junny’s” Command Team Bio, I ask that you also pause for a moment of silence as we remember an incredible young man who was taken from us way too soon and also his family who are forever and always a part of our community.

When you see Major Junny out and about in our community say a little prayer for Junny Rios-Martinez Jr. who is watching over all of us with a huge smile on his face.

MAJOR JUNNY BIOGRAPHY

Major “Junny” joined the BCSO Command Team as a seven-year Law Enforcement Veteran serving his entire career with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

“Junny” was donated to our agency at just 10 weeks old by the Jimmy Ryce Foundation and was named by our citizens in honor of Junny Rios Martinez Jr., a little boy who was abducted and murdered in our community back in 1991.

Recognized as “America’s Top Police Dog,” “Junny” is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Tracking School at Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Tallahassee, and also holds a degree from Paws and Stripes College in Sharpes, Florida as a “Child Comfort Dog.”

His background in law enforcement includes Search and Rescue, Missing Children Investigations, Child Safety Programs, Fugitive Apprehension, Project Lifesaver, Crime Prevention, Animal Adoption specialists, and Community Relations.

Throughout his career Major “Junny” has served the agency in Corrections, Crime Prevention, Animal Services, Media Production, Community Relations, and now as a member of our Command Team.

In addition to his normal duty assignments, “Junny” is the author and narrator of a Child Safety Activity Book that is used by our agency to teach child safety awareness and has also partnered with the SPCA to pass legislation allowing family pets to be included in Domestic Violence Injunction Orders.

“Junny” is an Honorary Board Member of the “Sheriff’s Pet Posse,” “Crosswinds Youth Services,” and has also starred in countless Public Service Announcements to assist local charities in fundraising and awareness for their community-based programs.

Major “Junny” was recognized as a “2019 Brevard County Humanitarian of the Year” award winner for his outstanding commitment and dedication to protecting our community and his service as an Ambassador to our agency. When not working, Major “Junny” enjoys spending time with his family, swimming, eating Barbecue, and of course, taking naps!

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