CHICAGO (CBS) — Chris Martinez has been hired as a general assignment reporter for CBS 2 Chicago [WBBM-TV]. Jeff Kiernan, the station’s Vice President and News Director, made the announcement today.

“Chris Martinez is an established reporter and formidable journalist,” Kiernan said. “His approach to story-telling aligns perfectly with the original reporting we offer our viewers.”

Since July 2003, Martinez has worked as a reporter and the primary substitute anchor for WFTS ABC Action News in Tampa, Florida. During his career, Martinez covered many national stories, including the 2000 election recount, the Space Shuttle program and the Columbian disaster, Terri Schiavo case, the disappearance of Caylee Anthony and the trial of her mother, Casey Anthony. Most recently, he has been assigned to report on the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

“WBBM is a legendary television station that’s experiencing a renaissance,” Martinez explained. “Joining this news team is a dream come true: I’m able to practice journalism in the part of the country where I’ve always wanted to live and be a part of a news organization that I’ve always admired.”

Martinez began his broadcast career in Florida in 1999 as an associate producer for WCTV 6, a CBS station in Tallahassee, and was promoted to Bureau Chief Reporter in 2000. That same year, he was hired by Central Florida News 13 in Orlando as a reporter and fill-in anchor, where he worked until accepting the position with WFTS-TV in 2003.

Martinez has received several individual and group Associated Press awards throughout his career, as well as news team Emmys. In addition to reporting, he is known throughout Tampa as a staunch volunteer and has been recognized by the Salvation Army for his charity work and the YMCA for mentoring teens.

Martinez, who earned a BS in Communications and Political Science from Florida State University, will begin work at CBS 2 Chicago on October 15.