MARKLEVILLE — Markleville Police Chief Tim Basey is stepping down after more than seven years leading the department, announcing on the department’s Facebook page that he’s doing so for health and personal reasons.
“Unfortunately this February it was discovered that I have stage 3 Esophageal Cancer,” Basey posted. “After consultation with my doctors and my family I have decided to step down from my position effective June 30th. I have underwent Chemotherapy, Radiation and next an invasive surgery to try and give me a chance at living a normal life!

Tim Basey

“I wanted to remain at the Markleville Police Department to complete 40 years in law enforcement. God has other plans! God wants me to enjoy life a little!”
Markleville Town Council President Daniel Roseberry said everyone at the town was “very sad” when Basey told them of his decision, calling him “a huge blessing to the community.”
Roseberry said from the moment the town hired Basey he’s been a positive force, going beyond simply enforcing the law.
“Every project that he’s taken on, just leaps and bounds, has brought the community together,” Roseberry said.
He cited Basey’s lead in creating the department’s safe haven room, a place where people who feel threatened can go lock themselves inside and call for help, as one example of that.
Roseberry said a few years ago, after an offering was collected during a unified church service that was part of the Markleville Jamboree, it was decided unanimously to give the funds to the police department.
“It felt as though the police department was focusing on the betterment of the community, everything it was doing was for the betterment of the community,” Roseberry said.
Basey, who Roseberry said was retired from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department when he joined Markleville, seemed to project that notion at the start of his Facebook announcement, posted on Saturday.
“I want everyone to know that I have thoroughly enjoyed being your Chief for the town of Markleville over the last 7+ years!” he wrote. “We have established a Safe Haven, Speed Signs, Speed Humps, Crosswalk across Main Street, Little Library and a new Evidence Room. We also computerized all of our files and reports among many other updates to make our little town a safer place to live and enjoy!
“I hope to have somehow put my own spin on the direction this department is going! Considering all that we have completed in the short time I would say it was a success! I will leave this department with a group of guys that want nothing more than to serve their community and keep them safe!”
Roseberry said the department is staffed with about 10 volunteer officers, with chief being the only paid position.
He said the town discussed the chief position at a meeting on Monday and will be “advertising for that as soon as possible.”
He said Basey at this time is working from home.
“I know the whole department is working together to make sure all the duties are being fulfilled,” Roseberry said.
He said having a new chief ready to start July 1 “would be our hope,” but that the town wants to be sure to do its due diligence in the hiring process.
While Roseberry said Basey did a “superb” job as chief, Basey finished his post indicating that his desire to do well by the town may well have started long before he was chief, or even an officer.
“Thanks again to the good folks of Markleville! The Town Board Members I have worked with (past and present)! I will still call Markleville my home and love the town that I have been a part of since I was 9 years old!”