Marlborough man leaves Coupeville

After 11 years in Coupeville, Lenny Marlborough is leaving his post as Town Marshal.

He is retiring later this summer and he is planning to return to Louisiana, where he grew up.

Marlborough announced his retirement last week and he will work through the end of July.

“He’s been great and I’m very sorry to see him go,” Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said. “He’s a consummate professional in regards to police work.”

Marlborough started as Town Marshal in 1996 when he replaced Jim Nutt.

Since then he has spent his time improving the professionalism of the small town department. He brought in standardized forms, changed the uniforms and introduced an evidence room, Marlborough said.

He also said aggressive grant seeking brought in the money to pay for technology improvements for the department, including laptop computers and video cameras, both of which were installed in officers’ cars.

Marlborough said the amount of technology has expanded 10 fold over the past decade. Especially with the computers, it helps keep officers out in the community.

He said he is proud of the professionalism that occurred during his tenure as marshal. He also credited the staff he worked with over the years.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without the guys that work for me,” Marlborough said.

He regrets that some cases, which are in the county’s jurisdiction but involve Coupeville residents, still remain open. Two cases that stand out is the Tracy Hesselgrave homicide, which occurred in 1977, and the Ron Frye disappearance, which occurred in 1993.

Prior to becoming Coupeville Town Marshal, Marlborough was a police officer for the Oak Harbor Police Department. He spent 14 years in Oak Harbor. He served an eight-year stint in the Navy, where he finished his career as a flight engineer.

Mayor Conard said she hopes to have Marlborough’s replacement announced in early July.

The announcement for the marshal’s position should be posted next week. The town’s civil service commission will screen candidates.

Conard said she wants his replacement to start before Marlborough retires in order to create a smooth transition.

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