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
