Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Former Police Chief Succumbs To Cancer

By JOHN MILLER

Prescott and Nevada County lost another leader, as former Prescott Police Chief William Stovall died Tuesday, Oct. 7 at his home.

The 62-year-old Stovall served 30 years with the Prescott Police Department, 19 as the department's chief.

Those who knew him said Stovall was one of the best officers they had ever seen, one dedicated to duty who enforced the law equally to all.

Jorge Nassar was mayor of Prescott during the period Stovall was the police chief. "He was one of the best officers we've ever had," Nassar said. "He was a good chief, very conscientious and effective."

According to Nassar, Stovall worked well with the other officers in the department as well as the public at large.

"He was a good investigator," Nassar continued, "very respectful and an all round good man. I hate to lose him."

Nassar said Stovall worked well with other departments and went by the rules.

Former Nevada County Sheriff Abb Morman worked with Stovall more than 20 years. He said they always got along, with Stovall being very likable and easy to get along with.

His cousin, Ron Stovall, captain of Arkansas State Police Troop G in Hope, said beneath the gruff exterior was one of the kindest people around.

"He was one of the most accommodating people I've ever been associated with," Stovall said."

Current PPD Chief Willie Latin was originally hired by Stovall on July 12, 1971. Latin said if it hadn't been for Stovall he most likely wouldn't be in law enforcement today.

"He was a good officer," Latin said of Stovall. "He was always supportive of me. He expected his officers to do their job and do it right."

Latin said Stovall was very community minded, working to help people any way he could, but also making sure the law was enforced.

"I was glad to know and work for him," Latin said. "He served the community well.

Danny Beavert was on the Prescott City Council while Stovall was chief.

"I enjoyed working with Chief Stovall," Beavert said. "Any item of concern the mayor or council would ask of him would be dealt with, and he would report back to us."

Beavert said with Stovall living and working in the same community for so long he knew most of the people and their tendencies. "This was a big advantage in his line of work," he said.

"As with any chief of police in any community," he continued, "he did not please everyone, but this did not seem to bother Chief Stovall. He continued working every day and would be the first to tell you he wasn't perfect.

"I will miss seeing him and express my sympathy to his family."