Last week, Randy Foster, the chief of police in Bloomfield, New Mexico, and the Town of Camp Verde’s pick to take over as the town’s marshal, informed Town Manager Russ Martin that he will not be able to take over the position due to a sick family member.
“I cannot apologize enough for the inconvenience this may cause you, the town or the Marshal’s Office,” Foster wrote in an email to Martin. “However, in light of recent family events over the last month, I feel I cannot commit wholeheartedly to the job at this time, which would not be fair to you or the Marshal’s Office employees.”
In light of Foster’s withdrawal, Cmdr. Brian Armstrong of the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office, who took over as acting marshal when former marshal Nancy Gardner was placed on administrative leave in October, will continue to serve as acting marshal while Martin begins a new search for Marshal candidates.
“Unfortunately at this time I believe the best option for the future of this department is to consider a new process that will allow review of additional potential candidates to include the ones whom have already applied for this very critical position,” wrote Martin in a press release. “Fortunately, we have Mr. Armstrong continues to be willing to remain as Commander/interim Town Marshal.”
Armstrong said that he is willing and ready to continue as acting marshal for as long as necessary.
“For me it’s just business as usual for the time being,” Armstrong said. “There are things beyond my control and beyond the town manager’s control.”
Armstrong was one of three finalists for the position, along with Foster. Armstrong said he would be honored if Martin chose him to be the Town of Camp Verde’s marshal.
Another finalist for marshal was Jason Negron of the Whitehall, Penn. Police Department. Martin has not yet contacted Negron about Foster’s withdrawal.
Martin said. Martin said he feels it is important to take the necessary time to get this right and feels comfortable leaving the marshal’s office in Armstrong’s hands for the time being.
“We’ve waited this long, so I’m not going to make a quick judgment call,” Martin said. “… I’m going to take some time to look at all the possibilities and make a decision. All the options are on the table.”
Jon Hecht can be reached at 634-8551, or email jhecht@larsonnewspapers.com
