ONESHIFT CIT Y O F M O BIL E P UBL I C S AF E T Y E M P LOYE E MAG A Z I N E
Issue 5, February 2022
Assistant Chief Godwin retires
Celebrating the end of a distinguished career with 32 years of service
Get Fully Involved: The evolution of the fire service Family intervention specialist reaches out to Hispanic community
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ublic safety is a collaborative service effort of the city’s police and fire departments to provide the optimum value of service to our communities.
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Message from Police Chief Paul Prine
The Mobile Police Department recently released its five-year strategic plan. In my commitment to you, I have submitted both 15% and 20% percent pay increases, or incentives, over the next five years. As always, finding resources to facilitate pay raises is always challenging. However, I am committed and stand in solidarity with you that our officers should be adequately compensated. Fortunately, for all of us, we have a Mayor, Chief of Staff and Public Safety Director who agree. I hope that in the near future we can move forward in making that a reality. I want to also take this opportunity to congratulate Assistant Chief Clay Godwin on his retirement. He started his career with the Mobile Police Department in January 1992. He worked in many areas of the department such as Patrol, Traffic Motor Detail, Narcotics, Planning, and S.W.A.T. to name a few. His relentless work ethic and commitment to duty is no doubt the reasons Chief Godwin promoted through the ranks over his 30-year career. Many of the policies and practices of the Mobile Police Department are a direct result of his tireless efforts to make this department the best place to work. With that said, I want to wish Chief Godwin godspeed and the very best that life has to offer for his dedication to service! Job well done!
“Mission First”
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THis Issue Contributors On the Cover: Assistant Chief Clay Godwin Deputy Chief D. M. Penn Sr. MFRD Support Captain Angela Prine Third Precinct Lieutenant Rusty Hardeman Third Precinct
WHOSE MONTH IS IT?
2022 CITY OF MOBILE PUBLIC SAFETY CALENDAR IT’S STILL TIME TO GET A COPY!
Iris Franklin MPD Family Intervention Team Ruth Grant MPD Records Unit Tonya Calhoun MPD Office of the Chief Brandie Battiste Victim Services Unit Bradford Cooper MCPAAA President Angel Cooper MCPAAA Tonyia Percy MCPAAA
Editorial Staff
City of Mobile Public Safety Charlette Solis Public Affairs Manager Steven Millhouse Public Information Officer
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The month of February 2022 features Firefighter John Trenier, Captain Cary Hunter, and Officer Nicey Turton atop Maybe. Photo taken at the Mobile Carnival Museum. P I C K U P Y O U R C O P Y at Mobile Fire-Rescue Supply, 2851 Old Shell Road, or at Mobile Police Headquarters, 2460 Government Blvd. To have your copies delivered, call 251-348-1732 or 251-654-2757. The cost is now $5!
Family Intervention Specialist reaches out to Hispanic community
Family Intervention Specialist Iris Franklin is assigned to the First Precinct. Franklin helps promote strong family values within the community.
also provided parenting tips, addressed common child behavioral problems, and explained the consequences of not sending kids to school.
In January, she presented to a group of Hispanic parents. One of the topics covered was mutual respect guidelines between citizens and police officers. She
After the presentation, Franklin met oneon-one with several of the parents to assist them with finding solutions to some of their family issues.
23rd Annual Law Enforcement Prayer Luncheon Local law enforcement agencies gather for the 23rd annual Law Enforcement Prayer Luncheon hosted by the Chaplain Offices of the Mobile Police Department and Mobile County Sheriff’s Office at Cottage Hill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on January 13. This year’s hometown hero was Bryan Myers, who has served 29 years with the FBI. Myers responded to the 2019 shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola and the terrorist attacks on 9/11, working in the role of evidence technician.
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FULLY INVOLVED
THe Evolution of the Fire Service Submitted by Deputy Chief Dwayne Penn Sr., MFRD Support
Many years ago, fire departments all across the nation responded exclusively to fires in the home. Once the fire happens, the local department would receive the call and respond to extinguish the fire. The emergency call center receives thousands of calls per month. Responding to fire calls was the essence of local fire departments. Today, the fire service is multifaceted, all-purpose and all-hazardous. Oftentimes you will see the name change from Fire Department to Fire-Rescue Department or Emergence Response Management. If the call received does not fall under the police department in some active, intentional human caused danger it most likely will be routed to the local fire-rescue department. In some cases, both police and the fire departments may be required. In 1985, MFRD established your Hazmat Material (HAZMAT) unit. This is a highlytrained response team for the growing threat of a hazardous material incident.
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The unique unit is comprised of hazardous material technicians, specialists and support staff. In 1991, MFRD established your ambulance service and advanced life support transport. This by far has been one of the biggest advancements in the fire service industry. It remains today as one of the more robust and critical components in the fire service industry. In 1992, MFRD established your High Angle and Confined Space Rescue Team. The unit responds to any vertical or incline rope or system failure that would result in a person calling due to sustaining serious injury or death. The high angle is more challenging and technical because weight is dependent on rope setup instead of ground level. The critical unit was formed just prior to the 1993 Amtrak Disaster, the largest Amtrak Disaster in history. Continued on page 7
Bridging the Gap with Murphy ROTC
Sergeant Jeremy March and Officer Joanne Watson, pictured above, served as facilitators for the Bridging the Gap program with Murphy High School ROTC students on January 28.
Officer Brandon Light (left photo) shows students the proper way a traffic stop should be conducted, which is one of the Bridging the Gap scenarios. Officer Brad Penton helps facilitate the Shoot-Don’t Shoot scenario using the Firearms Training Simulator.
FULLY INVOLVED article continued: In 2002, MFRD established your Urban Search and Rescue Team 1 Alabama Task Force 1 (USAR) was also established. USAR is a multi-hazard discipline, as it provides a variety of emergencies or disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados, floods, dam failures and technological accidents. In 2015, MFRD established your Community Risk Reduction Team (CRR). CRR is identifying your community’s risks through data and local knowledge.
This is applying strategies and tactic to reduce those risks. CRR is a leadership and management philosophy. The team works to prevent and mitigate the identified hazards for the community. In 2022, the fire service remains forever changing and adapting to meet community needs. The advancement and forward progress is paramount in keeping safety a top priority. We work to deliver cuttingedge, unparalleled measures to heighten everyone’s safety. We provide this type of response and rescue for all hazards 365 days a year. We are here to serve! O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 7
Assistant Chief Godwin retires Celebrating the end of a distinguished career with 32 years of service
The Mobile Police Department observes the end of a distinguished career for Assistant Chief Clay Godwin and celebrates his 32 years of service. Strong and wise, a forthright and honest individual, Godwin’s knowledge and judgment are a source of constant support to the MPD. This article is written in recognition of Godwin’s legacy and service—recognizing his courage and accomplishments. He will be missed. MPD Assistant Chief Clay Godwin is a third generation Mobilian who got into police work by accident. Thirty-two years ago, before becoming a police officer, he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Chemistry and then was accepted into medical school at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. After one year of enrollment, Godwin recognized he O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 8
was going to be an average doctor at best, and he doesn’t do “average” very well. He was glad he tried medical school but that path was not for him. It was then he met a Mobile firefighter who was also a reserve police officer with the Mobile Police Department. Godwin was intrigued by the existence of such a group and was looking for a way to serve his community in a voluntary capacity, so he signed up and joined the ranks of the MPD Reserve Unit. “If you love police work and want to do it for all the right reasons, you have ‘caught the bug’ and nothing else will satisfy you,” Godwin said. Well, he caught the bug and after one year as a reserve officer, Godwin became a full-time member of the Mobile Police Department. He loved the work and has loved the job ever since that day. Continued on page 9
He was hired by the Mobile Police Department on January 23, 1992. Godwin’s last position held was Chief of Staff at the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. He has worked in many units within the department starting as a member of the Ranger Unit, which was responsible for policing the city’s public housing developments. It was there he became a certified Mounted Unit officer. He then became a motor officer in the Traffic Safety Unit for three years before moving to the S.W.A.T. Team where he was an operator and part of the Entry Team until he was promoted to sergeant. He moved to the Narcotics Unit to supervise the S.L.I.D.E. Detail (Street Level Interdiction Drug Enforcement) and after two years he was transferred to patrol as a squad sergeant. While in patrol, Godwin was promoted to lieutenant. When he was promoted to captain, he became the commander of the Major Crimes Section. He has also served as captain for the First Precinct, Second Precinct and Fourth Precinct. During Mayor Stimpson’s first term, Godwin was the captain of the Administrative Section, where he remained until his appointment to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. He has remained in that role for the past five years. Godwin loves his job and always has. He tells each recruit class: “I love this job so much I would do it for free if someone paid my bills.” He started this job with no pay and worked for free as a reserve officer. “There is no job in the world that can compare to the job of being a police officer and serving to protect all of God’s children,” Godwin added.
Congrats on Your Retirement from the MCPAAA! Assistant Chief Godwin believes the Mobile Police Department could not function as efficiently without the assistance of the MCPAAA. “Working alongside MCPAAA volunteers better helps MPD to fully serve the public,” Godwin said. The MCPAAA has the ability to help not only as volunteers and manpower assistance with all MPD’s many functions, but they are also able to fund equipment and training that would otherwise not be available to the department due to funding deficiencies.” Godwin thanks the members of this voluntary organization for the vital role they play in the success of MPD. “I will always be an advocate for this fine group of men and women who volunteer their free time to help the MPD be the success it is today,” he said. Thank you, Assistant Chief Clay Goodwin, for always supporting our association with your constant positivity and encouragement. We will miss you!
—Submitted by Angel Cooper, MCPAAA Secretary
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Battle of the Mic
Third Precinct officers visit local schools
Precinct 3 builds relationships at local schools. Recently, officers visited Old Shell Road Elementary School and SpencerWestlawn Elementary School. Here are pictures of Lieutenant Rusty Hardeman, Lieutenant Lorenzo Matthews and Sergeant Irving Boykin mingling with the school principals, teachers and students.
From left, Rose Swafford, Officer Lawrence Battiste, Tonyia Percy, Public Safety Director Battiste, Officer Tawrence Battiste and Brandie Battiste
Competiting for the battle of the mic against eight other teams was worth the fun. Members of the Mobile Police Department and Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association recently participated in the second annual Lip Sync Battle hosted by the Fuse Project. Although they did not bring home a win, they represented well by raising $1,440 for the cause. The funds benefit the Historic Avenue Foundation. Since the inception of the Fuse Project, the organization has awarded over $2,000,000 in funding to local organizations who are changing the game for children in the city of Mobile. The Historic Avenue Foundation’s goal is to help end generational poverty by using holistic approaches that focus on building mixed income housing, investing in equitable education, and providing transformation community wellness programs. The event took place at the Soul Kitchen on February 3. Thanks to Chief Prine for allowing the department to participate and to all who supported the cause. Special thanks to the MPD SET, Victim Advocate Stacey Woodyard, Tonyia Percy and the DA’s Office for their generous donations. To learn more or donate to the Fuse Project, visit fuseproject.org. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 0
Honors & Congrats!
Civilian Employee of the Month
Veronica Williams is the MPD Civilian Employee of the Month for January 2022. Williams serves as the secretary for the Third Precinct. However, she is much more than that. Not only does she do all the expected duties to include payroll, squad roll call updates, squad monthly recaps, and precinct monthly recaps, the list goes on and on.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
DECEMBER 2021
Ann Williams
Williams goes above and beyond her notable duties and she puts in the extra work and effort, without being asked, to make sure the precinct has what it needs to function. She also takes it upon herself to boost the morale of the officers. Williams does this by Veronica Williams, Third Precinct providing them birthday cards and treats to celebrate such occasions. She also is the first to volunteer to do anything for the officers that is requested. This includes precinct luncheons, donations for those in need, and making sales for officers’ whose children are selling fundraising items for school. Any officer who comes by the precinct regularly will begin to receive their favorite treats because Williams likes to make them smile. All these things are done at the expense of Williams.
OFFICER OF THE MONTH
DECEMBER 2021
Tyler Murphy Third Precinct
According to her captain, Williams is an exceptional employee and is truly an asset to the Third Precinct as well as to the city of Mobile.
FAITH SHIELDS
Submitted by Ruth Grant, MPD Records
“The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” Billy Graham spoke these words to encourage us to trust God and his perfect will for our life. He spoke those words as a reminder that even in a place of despair we have the grace of God to keep us. His grace is sufficient. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 1
Citizens Academies for Public Safety
To the men and women of the Mobile Police Department and Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, thank you for your service to the city of Mobile and its citizens. Your dedication and leadership are recognized and appreciated more than you know.
between the community and the Mobile Police Department.” It is a 501(c)(3) public charity and depends on its membership dues, individual donations, and business sponsorships to support its year-round initiatives.
Are you aware there is a Citizens Academy within each department? That’s right! The MPD Citizens Police Academy is held twice a year to introduce the public to the challenges of law enforcement. The MFRD Citizens Fire Academy is designed to increase understanding of fire and emergency medical operations. Each program is designed to enhance awareness of its respective department capabilities and to engage the citizens of Mobile.
In support of this mission, MCPAAA members donated an aggregate 782.5 hours in 2021 to MCPAAA in support of community outreach; an average of 15.05 hours per week in a year where many events were cancelled or significantly scaled for reasons none of us care to promote —the dreaded C19. MCPAAA also assisted to fulfill nonbudgeted “wishlist” items for the Crime Prevention Unit Hurricane relief efforts in Houma, LA, bullet proof vests for K9 officers and handlers, “Truspec” tactical gear for EOD, and the purchase of a microwave for Precinct 2— not to mention the occasional snack basket distribution.
Graduates from each academy understand and appreciate the daily sacrifice and dedicated commitment of the men and women of public safety. The Mobile Citizens Police Our 2022 project is Academy Alumni From left, Mounted Unit Officer Nicey Turton, Officer Josh Hart, Sergeant Chris Giattina and Officer John Schaffer to furnish Mounted Association Unit with recently (MCPAAA) is an extension of the citizen’s pledge to support approved Rain Coats designed to cover the saddle and blanket, thus protecting the Mobile Police Department. the back of the horse in addition to the MCPAAA is a 100% volunteer organization mounted rider. and was created in 2016 with the mission, —Submitted by Bradford Cooper, MCPAAA President “To promote and enhance the relationship
MCPAAA Executive Board representatives have been elected by the Association general membership to lead the Association toward accomplishment of its mission. If you have a need for support, please submit your request through your MPD liaison, Lieutenant Sean Black. MPD Liaison Lieutenant Sean Black, Training Academy - sean.black@cityofmobile.org President Bradford Cooper - bcooper@mcpaaa.info Vice President Rose Swafford - rose.swafford@mcpaaa.info Treasurer Charlotte Buffingto - charlottebuffington@mcpaaa.info Secretary Angel Cooper - angelcooper@mcpaaa.info O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 2
