Assistant Chief Godwin retires

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

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.

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.

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!