Every Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in shaping our communities. At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, we are proud to highlight two dedicated professionals whose bilingual skills and cultural understanding strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community we serve.
This month, we spotlight Lt. Luis Rivera and Victim Advocate Yesenia Gonzalez-Martinez, two leaders who exemplify compassion, professionalism and service.
Luis Rivera: Serving as a bridge in critical moments
For more than 22 years, Lt. Luis Rivera, who serves as our weeknight watch commander, has played a vital role at LCSD. He oversees operations during evening shifts when other members of our command staff are off duty. In this role, he ensures deputies have the support they need, whether that means authorizing resources such as K-9s or helicopters, or coordinating specialized units such as narcotics or major crimes.
But Rivera’s impact goes far beyond administrative duties. As one of LCSD’s bilingual deputies, he is often called upon to assist Spanish-speaking community members during high-stress situations. On average, he responds to five or six calls a week where translation is needed, sometimes over the phone, but often in person.
“Google Translate works great if you’re in a pinch. But there’s a lot of slang and words that don’t translate well,” Rivera said. “When I arrive, it gives people comfort to know someone understands their language. It puts them at ease.”
That sense of trust can de-escalate tense situations, especially for community members who might come from countries where law enforcement is not trusted. Rivera has witnessed firsthand how language access can strengthen relationships, whether helping victims share their stories or ensuring suspects understand their rights.
One case that stands out for Rivera was his very first homicide investigation. The suspect and the witnesses were Spanish speakers. His ability to translate helped bring clarity to the case, build trust with victims and ultimately secure a conviction. Years later, one of those witnesses still reaches out to Rivera when she encounters others in need of help.
For Rivera, language access is not about legal status or barriers, it’s about ensuring every person in Lexington County feels heard, protected and respected.
Yesenia Gonzalez-Martinez: Advocating for victims with compassion
Victim Advocate Yesenia Gonzalez-Martinez, a native of Puerto Rico, has dedicated her career to guiding victims of crime through some of the most difficult times in their lives. With a background as a patrol deputy, she brings field experience to her role as an advocate, ensuring victims understand their rights and have access to resources.
Her focus on serving the Hispanic community is especially impactful. Many Spanish-speaking victims feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with someone who not only speaks their language, but also understands their cultural background.
“They identify with me being a Spanish-speaking person,” Gonzalez-Martinez said. “That’s why they feel comfortable working with me.”
She assists victims of domestic violence, burglary, sexual assault and other crimes, helping them access services such as shelter, transportation, legal aid and emotional support. In court settings, she often accompanies victims to provide comfort and advocacy, ensuring they never face the system alone.
Her role extends beyond immediate crisis support, she is certified as a victim service provider and participates in continuous training through the Attorney General’s Office and other agencies. Gonzalez-Martinez is dedicated to making sure no language barrier prevents victims from receiving justice and care.
“It’s important for the Hispanic community to know that we are here to help them. They have rights,” she said.
Building trust, serving all
Both Rivera and Gonzalez-Martinez embody the values of service, empathy and cultural understanding that strengthen public safety in Lexington County. Their work reminds us law enforcement is about more than enforcing laws, it’s about building trust, fostering connections and ensuring every voice is heard.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we proudly recognize their contributions and reaffirm LCSD’s commitment to serving all members of our community with fairness, dignity and respect.