Director
Larry A. Godwin
Director Larry A. Godwin graduated from Catholic
High School in Memphis, Tennessee in 1969. During Director
Godwins high school years, our country was heavily involved in
the Vietnam conflict. Feeling the burden upon our country,
Director Godwin voluntarily enlisted into the United States
Marine Corps. Following his tour in Vietnam, he returned to
Memphis. Upon reaching the required age for employment,
Director Godwin began his law enforcement career.
After joining the Memphis Police Department as a
Metro Narcotics Undercover Operations Officer in 1973, he
continued his journey working numerous assignments as a
Patrolman and then Sergeant. These assignments consisted of:
Uniform Patrol, Tactical Unit, Training Academy Instructor,
Homicide Investigator and Fraud and Document Investigator.
In 1992, he was promoted to the rank of
Lieutenant and assigned to the Crime Response/Bomb Unit as a
shift supervisor. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of Major
and subsequently assigned as the Commander of the Crime
Response/Bomb Unit.
In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector
and assigned the duties of the Commander of Special Services. In
this position, he was given the responsibility of Chief Security
Administrator for the Tyson vs. Lewis Championship Fight and
the Maccabi Games.
On April 14, 2003, he was appointed to the rank
of Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the Memphis Police
Department.
To further enhance his career goals, his education was advanced
through studies at the University of Memphis. His Bachelor of
Science Degree was earned through Liberty University.
Director Larry Godwin is married to the former Nina Elizabeth
Barlow. In December of 2007, the couple celebrated their 35th
wedding anniversary. Together they have two sons (Anthony and
Lucian), one daughter (Angelina) and two grandsons (Peyton Allen
and Joshua).
In August of 2004 Director Godwin was named Interim Director of
the Memphis Police Department. In November of 2004 Godwin was
appointed as Director of Police Services for the City of
Memphis.
