Barling Police Department Mourns Passing of Chief
By: KNWA-TV, Fayetteville
Updated: November 20, 2012
Barling Police Chief Marshall T. Powell died Sunday at Sparks Hospital in Fort Smith after a battle with cancer.
Chief Powell had been with the department since 1994 when he joined the team as a patrol officer. Through the years he worked his way through the ranks, becoming Chief of Police in November 2008.
The department released this statement on Monday:
"Chief Powell was respected and loved by all his brothers in Law Enforcement and the community. He was dedicated to law enforcement and the Barling Police Department. When he was appointed as Chief of Police he worked hard to keep the police department up to date with the latest technology and equipment so we could better serve the citizens of Barling. He expected professionalism and understanding from his officers while serving the public. Chief Powell was not just a supervisor; he was also a friend to the men who served under his command. Chief Powell was the one when you needed him no matter what he was doing or where he was, he would be there for you. Chief Powell helped and changed alot of people's lives during his career.
"Chief Powell was a great police officer and spent a great deal of his time supporting the Drug Task Force. He worked several late nights to help stop the distribution of illegal narcotics in Sebastian and Crawford County. When Chief wasn't working he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with Kyla Payton who he married on September 15th, 2012. He loved his family and loved spending time with them. Chief Powell will be missed by everyone."
Funeral Arrangement for Chief Powell are as follows:
Visitation tonight from 5:00 to 7:00 at St. Boniface Church on North B Street, Fort Smith. A rosary ceremony follows the visitation.
Funeral is Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock at St. Boniface Church with burial at 11 o'clock at the National Cemetery.
A memorial has been set up at the Cooper Cancer Care Center in Chief Powell's honor. Donations can be made to:
Attn: Joyce Long
P.O. Box 3528
Fort Smith, AR 72913







