Staff photo / Lily Nickel Police Chief Brian Goodin sits at his desk in his office at the Poland Township Police Department. Goodin is retiring Feb. 28 from the department after 18 years as police chief.

POLAND TOWNSHIP — It’s the end of an era for Poland Township’s longtime police Chief Brian Goodin, whose family roots run deep in the community and the department.

Goodin will retire Feb. 28 from his position after nearly 18 years as chief and 38 years on the police force. He was born and raised in the township, and witnessed the beginning of the police department when his father, Lee Goodin, was sworn in as chief of police in 1978 after a levy made it possible for the township to create its own police force.

“My father was actually the first police chief. The sheriff’s department was the police agency out here, which was mostly country back then,” Goodin said. “Through all my years of growing up, it’s something that I always wanted to do and follow in his footsteps.”

Goodin watched his father during his childhood and admired the difference he made in the lives of those he served. Goodin said that through all the lows that come with the grueling profession, the best part is helping people.

“Everyone thinks it’s all bad guys and all that, and that’s a plus, but the most satisfaction is when somebody calls you and says, ‘Thanks for what you did,’ that’s what made the job better,” Goodin said.

Fresh out of high school, Goodin started as a security guard for JCPenney and joined the police academy as soon as he could. He was hired into the Beaver Township Police Department in 1983 and worked briefly for the sheriff’s department and a security agency before returning to his hometown in 1990. While Goodin is stepping away from the front lines, his work in public safety is far from over. He accepted a position as the assistant director for the Department of Public Safety in Columbus, where he will aid in the management of the operations for the fire, police and support services divisions of the department.

“It’s a lot of emotions, leaving a career I’ve had for 38 years,” Goodin said. “I’m still young enough and energetic enough that I want to do something with that, and this is a great opportunity that I’ll be able to use my skills and traits that I’ve learned through my 38 years of being in law enforcement.”

Over the years, Goodin made his mark among his employees and the township. While he won’t accept any recognition or credit, he is proud of the fact the township has been ranked as the fourth safest township in Ohio by the home security group SafeWise, which he credits solely to his officers. The ranking is determined by annual FBI violent and property crime statistics.

“It’s everybody here that makes the world go ’round and makes our department and our community what it is,” Goodin said. “We’re community based; community oriented. Our officers work hard to protect our citizens the best they can.”

Goodin’s departure is bittersweet as he leaves a department that held such significance in both his, and his late father’s, careers.

“It’s a great community, great people. It’s been a good ride — a great ride,” Goodin said.