A police substation and forensic center in East Austin is now named for a retired officer.

On Wednesday, the re-dedication ceremony honored former Senior Officer Robert Martinez.

When Martinez retired in 1997 -- after 30 years of service -- the East Austin native was one of the most highly-decorated officers in the Austin Police Department history and in the state.

He started Austin's first Hispanic crimes unit and the department's gang prevention unit.

"His passion for that particular line of work was instrumental and goes beyond and above the call of duty in my eyes, and probably the eyes of a lot of other people," said APD Lt. Carlos Botello.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton gave Martinez a commendation for his work helping young people in Texas avoid gangs and drugs.