Police Chief Dies After Battle with Cancer
By: Amanda Ashley
Updated: November 19, 2012
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 a 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 Tues 11/20/12 5pm to 7pm at St. Boniface church on North B street Fort Smith.
Following visitation there will be a rosary ceremony at 7pm
Funeral will be Wed 11/21/12 at 10 am at St. Boniface Church in Fort Smith with burial at 11am 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
Attn: Joyce Long
P.O. Box 3528
Fort Smith, AR 72913






