Last Updated on July 15, 2019 8:54 pm
Sergeant Donnie Goodman retired from the Boone Police Department on Friday, July 12, 2019, after 20 years of service.
Sergeant Goodman's law enforcement career highlights also include:
Member of SORT
Field Training Officer
K-9 Handler and Supervisor over the K-9 unit
K-9 departmental trainer and evaluator
Patrol Sergeant
Baker District Commander while he served as a Lieutenant in the Patrol Division
County Chairperson and Coordinator for the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program
Listen below to Sergeant Donnie Goodman's final dispatch as he retires and other Boone Police officers response.
Dana Crawford, Chief of Boone Police Department, shared with WataugaOnline exclusively: “I have many positive things to say about Donnie, but a few right off the top would be that he has been a faithful servant to the citizens of Boone for 20 years and worked as hard on his last day as he did his first. Sergeant Goodman has also been faithful to the Agency and has worked in many different areas to make himself and the agency succeed. As an officer he has no equal when it comes to having an inherent knack for being in the right place at the right time. It really is an uncanny ability to catch the bad guys. I guess more than anything, he just really understands human nature. On the other hand Donnie has a tremendously large heart to help those in need. I know of many times that Donnie has bought Christmas presents for kids in bad homes and food for folks that didn't have any. As a Sergeant, Donnie has always been a trusted supervisor to those that worked for him and to his own supervisors. He is a loyal and trusted friend and coworker to all of us. You don't hear this phrase in law enforcement much anymore, but the best way to describe Donnie is that he is one heck of a good law man. Boone P.D. will miss his knowledge, his work ethic, his passion for the job, his compassion for those in need and his love for his coworkers and community. He is a blessing to Boone and all of the high country. We wish him well in all his future endeavors.
Brenda Brittain, with Boone Police Dispatch, shares with WataugaOnline.com, “I’m pretty sure Donnie Goodman and I became friends on the very first day he worked at the PD. It was always a BIG adventure and absolute pleasure working with him. Cheers to you, Donnie, on your retirement! I’m gonna miss you bunches and bunches.
Sgt. Geoff Hayes, with Boone Police also noted to WataugaOnline.com, “and……………….The luckiest man I've ever met when it came to Texas Hold Em'”
Sergeant Goodman had this to say about his final day: Today is a bittersweet day. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Town of Boone and its citizens. As I look back on the many friends I have made through my career I think of all the good times we have had . I have watched new rookies grow and become the leaders of not only Boone police department but also at other departments. It has been a career that has brought lots of joy and satisfaction when helping people in a time of need. However there are times I would like to block out also. I have had to watch out for and console my officers after recovering the body of a young boy from the creek that drowned and we were unable to save . I have sat in the emergency room praying with the parents of a infant that passed away while just passing through our town. I have had to use deadly force to protect other officers lives. These are things we would like to forget. Always support our department and all law enforcement they have to deal with problems that most citizens would never believe existed until something happens to them. To my family in law enforcement, ems and fire. I love you all and will always keep you in my mind and prayers
