Sheriff John Budensiek

Biography

Sheriff John Budensiek is a career law enforcement officer who has served Sheriff John Budensiek Portraitthe citizens of Martin County for 24 years. He began his career at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 as a uniform deputy on Road Patrol. Throughout his career, he served as a narcotics detective and on SWAT, starting as an entry team member and working through the ranks to become the SWAT Team Commander. His career also includes working in every supervisory rank within the Sheriff’s Office. He currently oversees all the departments at MCSO.

Sheriff Budensiek has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University and has studied at IRSC and at The University of Virginia. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. The Sheriff is a lifetime Martin County resident who lives in Hobe Sound with his wife and four children.

Education Overview

  • Studied at Indian River State College
  • Studied at The University of Virginia
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University
  • Graduate of FBI National Academy
  • Graduate of the FSA Commanders Academy
  • Graduate of the FSA Florida Sheriffs Academy

Career Overview 
Martin County Sheriff’s Office –

  • 4/1/97 – Deputy Sheriff, Law Enforcement 
  • 8/19/99 – Detective, Special Investigations Unit 
  • 10/1/05 – Sergeant, Special Investigations Division  
  • 1/8/13 – Lieutenant, Special Operations Division 
  • 5/1/15 – Captain, Uniform Road Patrol Division 
  • 6/3/19 – Captain, Special Operations Division
  • 3/25/20- Acting Major, Department of Law Enforcement 
  • 7/1/20 – Major, Department of Law Enforcement 
  • 7/15/21 – 6/30/24 Chief Deputy

Sheriff Budensiek has served in every supervisory capacity at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and on the agency SWAT Team, where he worked his way through the ranks of the team and retired from the team as SWAT Commander.

Honors and Affiliations 

  • Former Board Member United Way of Martin County
  • Martin County Leadership Class 30 Graduate 
  • Served Two Terms on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee 

Sheriffs of Martin County

  • John M. Budensiek 2025 to present
  • William D. Snyder 2013 to 2025
  • Robert L. Crowder 1992 to 2013
  • James D. Holt 1973 to 1992
  • Robert L. Crowder 1972 to 1973 (Appointed by Governor)
  • Roy C. Baker 1952 to 1972
  • G.M. "Marion" Hancock 1944 to 1952
  • C.E. "Riley" Christensen 1933 to 1944
  • Marion M. McGee 1926 to 1933
  • Bert H. Babcock 1925 to 1926 (Appointed by Governor)