st. George, Utah — The City of Colorado, Arizona, and the Short Creek community of Hildale, Utah, may have noticed a recent change with their law enforcement officers.
The Arizona Law Enforcement Merit System Council, which is part of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, made “strong recommendations,” resulting in the Colorado City Sheriff’s Office being renamed the Colorado City Police Department last year.
Secretary Rob Radley said the State Department has directed all law enforcement agencies still using the term “marshal” to transition to the term “police.” There are several Marshal offices in Arizona that are making the transition.
The title of Marshal at the municipal level has been in use in Arizona since Edward G. White was appointed Marshal of Tombstone, Arizona, Territory on January 6, 1880. After White was murdered on his October 30th, Virgil held on to his Earp. In 1880, it led to the notoriety of Wyatt Earp, the Earp brothers, and the shootings at the OK Ranch. Since then, the title has been used throughout Arizona.
Mayor Vance Barlow said in December 2022, the state government decided it was necessary to separate the turmoil between the U.S. Marshals and the Arizona Sheriffs. Although the title of ‘Marshal’ has been withdrawn from many institutions, some still retain the historical namesake.
Marshal Tombstone’s office reported by phone that it had not withdrawn his Marshal title.
“There are mixed feelings about changing the title from Marshal’s Office,” says Radley. “The current officers in the office worked diligently to restore the Marshal’s office and bring it up to current police standards.”
He said he was able to restore the Marshal’s office with respect, but he knew that as communities grew and local governments matured, a shift to the term police was inevitable.
There are 10 positions under the new police force. The hierarchy system is chief, one lieutenant, one sergeant, one school resource officer, one her K9 officer, and several patrol officers.
Radley leads the division as Section Chief, Mark Gower as Lieutenant, and David Wilkinson as Sergeant. Both Gower and Wilkinson have more than 57 years of experience in law enforcement, including investigations, patrols, animal control and civil law.
Radley said the officer’s commitments and duties remain the same despite the change in position.
“The officers were already professional,” Radley said. “I want society to know that we are on the right track and that change will continue as we take steps to adopt best police practices.”
The rebranded department has unique characteristics not found in other Marshal offices in transition. Being a border community, jurisdictions cover communities in separate states.
Radley said he is now working to become a chartered police force in both states. This required a massive 167-point screening by several other police departments, demonstrating that it meets the police’s professional standards.
All officers are required to have Peace Officer Standard Training (POST) accredited in both states.
“For us, working in both states every day has become the normal thing we do,” Radley says.
Radley noted that officers need to be diligent to keep abreast of each state’s laws, not just legal decisions made at the federal level. I belong.
“This allows for seamless policing, where someone just crosses the street and the crime goes unnoticed, law enforcement is slowed down or hamstrung by lines drawn in the sand.” said Radley.
The most noticeable change is in the uniform patches.
“At the core of this change is the need to meet state standards,” says Radley. “It has become important to preserve the marshal’s legacy.”
The badge includes the words “Courage – Compassion – Honesty”. The inset of the badge represents the summit of El He Cap in the Canaan Mountains overlooking Hildale. The saguaro cactus and cottonwood trees represent the city of Colorado.
In the center of the badge is a Utah honeycomb supported by the Arizona sunbeams. Police vehicles are featured with more modern and highly visible logos.
“Our office believes it’s time to set the tone and foundation for the future of policing in our communities,” Radley said.
Photo gallery
The Office of the Colorado City Marshal was recently renamed the Colorado City Police Department.City of Colorado, Arizona, March 30, 2023 | Photo Credit: Colorado City Police Department, St. George News
The Office of the Colorado City Marshal was recently renamed the Colorado City Police Department.City of Colorado, Arizona, March 30, 2023 | Photo Credit: Colorado City Police Department, St. George News
The Office of the Colorado City Marshal was recently renamed the Colorado City Police Department.City of Colorado, Arizona, March 30, 2023 | Photo Credit: Colorado City Police Department, St. George News
The Office of the Colorado City Marshal was recently renamed the Colorado City Police Department.City of Colorado, Arizona, March 30, 2023 | Photo Credit: Colorado City Police Department, St. George News
The Office of the Colorado City Marshal was recently renamed the Colorado City Police Department.City of Colorado, Arizona, March 30, 2023 | Photo Credit: Colorado City Police Department, St. George News
The Office of the Colorado City Marshal was recently renamed the Colorado City Police Department.City of Colorado, Arizona, March 30, 2023 | Photo Credit: Colorado City Police Department, St. George News
The Office of the Colorado City Marshal was recently renamed the Colorado City Police Department.City of Colorado, Arizona, March 30, 2023 | Photo Credit: Colorado City Police Department, St. George News
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