Camp Verde Marshal Corey Rowley resigned from his position with the Town of Camp Verde, effective Dec. 18.
“Rowley made the decision to step down due to medical reasons,” Town Manager Miranda Fisher stated Dec. 31. “Out of respect for his privacy, the town will not be sharing additional details.”
Rowley was sworn into the post on Oct. 15, 2018, following a seven-month search for a replacement for the former marshal, Nancy Gardner, who had been suspended by then-Town Manager Russ Martin following reports of low morale and potential wrongdoing, investigated Arizona Department of Public Safety from October 2017 to March 2018 and resigned March 7, 2018, after Martin notified her that she would be terminated on March 12, 2018.
“During his tenure, Marshal Rowley transformed the culture of CVMO by setting clear expectations around professionalism, accountability and service,” Fisher stated. “He was instrumental in establishing the PACE Program — Professionalism, Accountability, Community and Excellence — which are values that were later adopted town-wide and continue to guide our organization today.”
Immediately after his hiring, Rowley placed a large banner at the entrance to the CVMO that read “Setting the PACE,” the JOURNAL reported in 2018.
“Marshal Rowley was also a strong and consistent advocate for his officers. He invested deeply in their development, wellness and success, always ensuring they had the support, training and resources needed to serve the community effectively,” Fisher stated. “His focus on combating drug activity in Camp Verde was unwavering, and his service on the MATForce board further demonstrated his commitment to regional collaboration and addressing substance abuse at a broader level.”
Rowley began his law enforcement career with the police department in
Syracuse City, Utah. He was hired for Camp Verde while serving as police chief in Yakutak, Alaska. While Rowley had not lived in Arizona until his hiring, his grandfather grew up in Prescott and attended school in Camp Verde.
“Marshal Rowley was also a strong advocate for victim services and worked diligently to expand the reach and impact of [Yavapai Family Advocacy Center] throughout the Verde Valley,” Fisher stated. “In recognition of his leadership and commitment to victim advocacy, he was honored this year with YFAC’s Beam of Light Award.”
When interviewed in 2018, Rowley said he was excited to learn more about the town’s heritage, especially its American Indian culture. He wanted to be an archeologist as a child and said that by working alongside tribal communities in Alaska, he continued that passion by learning about indigenous Alaskan history.
“We truly appreciate Marshal Rowley’s service to the Camp Verde community and wish him the very best in his recovery and future endeavors,” Fisher stated.
Cmdr. Dan Jacobs is serving as the acting town marshal and will remain in that role until filled, Fisher stated. Jacobs was promoted to sergeant by Gardner in November 2016 and to Patrol Division lieutenant by Rowley in September 2019.
The town will be posting for the town marshal position the first week of January and anticipate concluding the recruitment process in March or April, Fisher stated.
