Nancy Gardner, a lieutenant with the Avondale Police Department, was picked to serve as the new marshal for the Town of Camp Verde.
Garner was one of six finalists vying for the job out of a pool of 80 applicants seeking the spot as Camp Verde’s top cop after former Town Marshal Dave Smith announced his retirement last year. Smith’s last day on the job was Dec. 31.
Camp Verde Human Resource Specialist Darby Martin announced Town Manager Russ Martin’s decision to hire Gardner on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 12.
Gardner, who originally came to Arizona in 1986 from North Dakota and took a job with the Gilbert Police Department, brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience to her new position. Gardner grew up in Minot, N.D.
“Mr. Martin noted that there were several outstanding candidates,” Darby Martin wrote in the official announcement. “However, in the end Mrs. Gardner stood out from the other applicants. She brings a personable, professional attitude that Mr. Martin believes, as do many others who participated in the hiring process, that she has the right balance for Camp Verde.”
During her 16-year stint in Gilbert, Gardner served as a field training officer, firearms instructor and patrol officer; and she worked with the criminal investigations and traffic division, a SWAT team officer and SWAT team commander. Gardner went on to work for the Avondale Police Department and has been awarded several accolades over the years, including officer of the year.
Gardner also holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix along with a master’s degree in human relations from Northern Arizona University.
Gardner was vetted through an interview process that saw the manager working with CVMO staff and other law enforcement officials from around the area to pick the ideal candidate.
Russ Martin said that he had a feeling about Gardner.
“She brings a skill set that will complement what we are doing very well,” Martin said, adding that as a lieutenant with the Avondale Police, Garner already had a familiarity with what many of her duties will involve here in Camp Verde.
“She also seemed to really want to be in Camp Verde,” Martin said. “I’m really impressed with the types of things she’s done and I believe the fit is appropriate.”
Martin said Gardner will officially start her new job at CVMO at the first of March.
That will give Gardner time to find a place to live and take care of some other matters down south.
“I’m very excited,” Gardner said. “I just have to get some things situated.”
Martin said she’ll be looking for a place to live with her husband, Mark, himself a retired officer from the Mesa Police Department. Mesa is where the couple currently lives.
The Gardners have three daughters, the youngest of whom is a student at Arizona State University.
Gardner said she’s been to the area before and is looking forward to getting to know it better.
Mark Lineberger can be reached at 567-3341 or email CVEditor@larsonnewspapers.com
