BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County Schools Police Department has added a second officer to its ranks.

Justin Bellamy of Lovely has joined the department, Police Chief Chris Kidd announced Monday.

“The name will ring familiar to some,” Kidd said. “He worked with us for several months at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office while I was chief deputy there.”

According to Kidd, Bellamy left the sheriff’s office after accepting an offer to work for the Pikeville Police Department.

“He did an incredible job there,” Kidd said. “He’s a certified police officer with multiple specialized certifications. And that’s what we’re looking for here—people who are trained, certified and able to provide a good service to the district, to the kids especially, and to all the schools.”

Bellamy began his law enforcement career in 2021. He is a veteran and continues to serve in the Kentucky National Guard.

“I have children in the school system,” Bellamy said. “So I’m happy to be here, happy to serve here, glad to be back in Martin County.”

While working in Pikeville, Bellamy gained some experience doing extra duty as a school resource officer.

“I thought while I was working there, ‘Wow, this would be a great job to have,’” he said. “So when Chief Kidd reached out to me, I felt it was god-sent for sure. I’m excited for the opportunity and look forward to getting started.”

Bellamy will be assigned to Warfield Middle School.