Camp Verde Marshal’s Office has filled a key position left open for four months.
On Monday, June 26, Brian Armstrong, a lieutenant with Arizona Department of Transportation, will step into the role of CVMO commander.
The position was vacated by Jacquelyn MacConnell in January.
“Mr. Armstrong was looking to relocate from the Phoenix area to the Yavapai County area, and when the commander position came available it was an opportunity where he could utilize his knowledge, skills and abilities in a command position,” CVMO Marshal Nancy Gardner said. “I felt Mr. Armstrong is a mature individual who would bring his experience, knowledge and skills to the marhsal’s office to continue to raise the bar.”
Armstrong has been in law enforcement for 29 years, with the bulk of his career centered in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Prior to ADOT, he worked for Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Gilbert Police Department, Prescott Police Department and the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
“I was impressed with [Armstrong’s] calm demeanor, ability to speak well and his genuine kind nature,” Gardner said. “The position requires someone who can represent the marshal’s office as a leader in the organization and someone who can support me as the second in command. This requires knowledge in many areas of law enforcement, from handling personnel issues, budget, working with other law enforcement entities and working to carry out the goals of the organization and town.”
According to Gardner, Armstrong’s roles with ADOT have included supervising five enforcement offices, managing a budget, purchasing equipment and resolving personnel issues. In addition, Armstrong has experience recruiting, grant writing and operating in internal affairs.
“During his tenure with ADOT, [Armstrong] built relationships with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies around the state,” Gardner said. “He coordinated efforts with the director’s office of ADOT and was the ADOT legislative liaison, where he worked to develop and revise state statues pertaining to commercial vehicle operation.”
Gardner, who frequently praised Armstrong’s predecessor for building relationships between CVMO and the community, said that Armstrong expressed interest in becoming a part of the community, working with the town, businesses and community members to further CVMO’s purpose.
“My goal as the town marshal has been to develop relationships with the community, which has been occurring over the past five years,” Gardner said, citing successes in social media and news media presence, Coffee With a Cop events, Town Council meetings and other community events. “Mr. Armstrong and I will continue to work with our sergeants, deputies and volunteers to build our relationships with the community.”
